ATTWON Tackles ANJET Over Claim Of Being Sole Recognised Travel, Tourism Writers Group

The Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria (ATTWON) has debunked claims by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) as the only registered association for travel and tourism writers in Nigeria.

ATTWON described as misleading, the publication made by the ANJET, claiming exclusive status as the only registered association for travel and tourism writers, stressing that, on the contrary, ATTWON was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 10, 2016, with number RC CAC/IT/ No 88082, and thus became the first and only association of travel and tourism writers, including journalists, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to the development of the industry in Nigeria.

In a statement titled “ATTWON, ANJET And Tourism Industry: Setting The Records Straight”, signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Annabel Kufre, and made available to LEADERSHIP, ATTWON noted that some eight years ago, a group of travel and tourism journalists and enthusiasts had set up the Association of Travel and Tourism Writers of Nigeria.

“The move was informed by a deep conviction to selflessly galvanise the industry to achieve its vast potential and serve as a major economic hub for the nation.

“Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on June 10, 2016, RC CAC/IT/ No 88082, ATTWON, thus, became the first and only association of travel and tourism writers, including journalists, photographers, editors, and tourism professionals dedicated to the development of the industry.

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“At inception, ATTWON saw the need to bring the country’s travel media and tourism industry closer in unity for a positive transformation of the industry while showcasing the tourism potentials of the country on the global tourism map,” the statement reads.

“And ever since, ATTWON has been promoting responsible journalism, and domestic tourism, supporting and developing members, and encouraging the conservation and preservation of travel resources in Nigeria.

“This is contrary to the misleading publication made by the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), claiming exclusive status as the only registered association for travel and tourism writers.

“We find it necessary to set the records straight and ensure accurate information is conveyed to the industry stakeholders and the public.”

ATTWON also emphasised that aside from its members, there are other independent travel and tourism journalists, writers, and television producers, who all responsibly promote the industry and the nation’s vast tourism potential, and also, in their various capacities, relate with industry stakeholders and supervising agencies for the overall good of the sector.

“For us at ATTWON, this multiplicity of actors in the writing and reporting segment of the sector absolutely bodes well for the industry.

“We, therefore, state, unequivocally, that it is absolutely delusionary of ANJET to think their members are the only travel and tourism journalists in the country, or to wear the toga of the one who defines who a travel journalist is and who the supervising ministry and agencies would relate with in furthering the cause of the sector.

“We also state, unequivocally, that the monopoly that ANJET seeks to perpetuate in this modern age of journalism is not just befuddling and unimaginable, it is clearly self-serving and limits the possibilities for the sector. This move – this ANJET stance – is abhorred and must be consciously rejected by the industry and everyone who truly loves to see the industry develop.

“ANJET is not, in fact, a registered association for travel and tourism writers. The claim they make regarding their exclusive registration status lacks any basis in reality. We respectfully request that they provide evidence to substantiate these allegations, as ours is the only verified and recognized association of travel and tourism writers in this sector.”