Browsing by Author "Falabi M. O, Akerele E. E., Bashir A. A, Folorunso O. S., Lawal O. O."

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    TOURISM GOVERNANCE, PROFESSIONAL REGULATION, AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INTERROGATING NIGERIA’S 2022 NIHOTOUR AC
    (akungba journal, 0010-10-25) Falabi M. O, Akerele E. E., Bashir A. A, Folorunso O. S., Lawal O. O.
    Abstract This study critically examines the implications of Nigeria’s National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (Establishment) Act, 2022 (NIHOTOUR Act), in the context of tourism governance, professional regulation, and sustainable development. While the Act aims to standardize training, certification, and practice within the tourism and hospitality industry, it has generated significant controversy among stakeholders due to its top-down enforcement strategy and limited stakeholder engagement. Drawing on secondary data, the research analyzes the legal and institutional framework of the Act, stakeholder responses, its alignment with global regulatory standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 8 and 16, and identifies gaps in governance and implementation. Findings reveal that although the Act aspires to professionalize the industry, it suffers from rigid regulatory architecture, weak participatory governance, and limited alignment with international sustainability benchmarks. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at fostering inclusive, adaptive, and collaborative regulatory frameworks to advance Nigeria’s tourism industry toward sustainable development. Keywords: