The Nigerian tourism industry is on the precipice of evolution, and millennials are set to drive the change of the system. Gen Z, which includes young people born between 1997-2012, is recognised by its technological knowledge, environmental awareness, and aspiration for genuine experiences. Hence, the first generation of digital natives possesses invaluable perspectives on the shift in the travel and tourism industry. This blog post aims to define how Gen Z entrepreneurs in Nigeria can grow by adopting sustainability, technology, and other unique business concepts.
Understanding the Nigerian Tourism Landscape
Photo Source: Leadership News.
Nigeria is truly a gem in terms of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical value. From industrious markets in the most vibrant Nigerian city, Lagos, to the stunning landscapes of Obudu Mountain Resort, the list of tourism options continues. Nevertheless, issues like poor infrastructure, insecurity, and unawareness about Nigeria as a visitor destination still need to be addressed. Nonetheless, there is love for local tourism, and the interest is rocketing with the desire to visit their home attractions.
The Potentials of Domestic Tourism in Nigeria
The newest data indicates that most of Nigeria’s tourism comes from domestic tourism. As a country with a total population of 200 million, the potential for the tourism industry is enormous. Gen Z entrepreneurs may enter this market by developing experiences that align with their friends and encourage a culture of localism in the following ways:Â
Embracing Technology
Digital Platforms for Booking and Promotion
Gen Z entrepreneurs are naturally tech-savvy users who can automate booking and marketing campaigns using digital channels. This can be done in the following ways:
Mobile-Friendly Websites
Almost half of the population of Generation Z uses mobile devices for travel planning. Entrepreneurs should use the money to make mobile-friendly websites. These will allow you to book a hotel, view seamless navigation, and access the customer’s favourite content.
Social media marketing
If you want to reach Gen Z travellers, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are the places to be. Unique visual content may attract customers. Businesses can converse with followers by having live sessions or Q&As. Such activities can gather a community around the brand.
Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
A good alliance with OTAs will increase visibility and attract a broader range of crowds. Many Generation Z travellers prefer OTAs for their bookings due to the ease of use and low pricing.
Utilising Innovative Technologies
Augmenting the travel experience by employing technologies that are not yet conventional, like:Â
Virtual Reality (VR)
Using a virtual reality device, they can travel the world without leaving their homes and explore attractions before visiting them.
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR apps can help users experience cities in a new way by giving tips on walking tours, animating historical events, or telling stories about spots in the town.
The Importance of Sustainable Tourism
Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Environments with hotels or lodges that mainly concentrate on sustainability are the ones that will most likely attract green eco-travellers. Green hotel certification can also be a good marketing tool.
Cultural Preservation
Partnerships with local artists or cultural authorities and sustainable engagement in the local culture are responsible ways of preserving local traditions and providing eco-travellers with real experiences.Â
Community Engagement
The involvement of local communities in tourism is good because it makes people believe in tourism and ensures that economic benefits are felt where they are most needed to do that tourism development.
Creating Sustainable Experiences
You should know that Gen Z entrepreneurs should engage in activities that would not pollute the environment.
Nature-Based Tours
Creating eco-friendly tours and emphasising wildlife conservation or protection issues will gather natural enthusiasts and promote awareness of environmental problems.
Culinary Experiences
Farm-to-table dining experiences, based on locally grown ingredients, not only help the farmers but also provide tourists with authentic culinary adventures, which are also part of farm-to-fork dining.
Understanding Gen Z Travelling Preferences
Gen Zs are looking for travel experiences that are real and aligned with their beliefs. They should ensure that existing relationships from travel are developed to produce other linkages for the community by exploring the following mediums:
Storytelling
Using stories in marketing campaigns can foster customer engagement and build value with would-be visitors. Stories related to local culture or traditions that people have received from friends and relatives can motivate people to visit Nigeria.
Peer Recommendations
Gen Z most frequently uses self-generated information when making travel decisions. To boost credibility, ensure that customers share their experiences on platforms such as social media or review sites.
Networking Opportunities
Networking is vital in business as it helps identify business opportunities.
Collaborate with Influencers: Working with microbloggers who support your brand’s values can help increase communication with Generation Z.
Attend Industry Events
Attendance and exposure to tourism fairs or tourism conferences present venues to interface with other business people and investors, the government, and several tourists.
ALSO READ: Eco-Influencers: How Gen Z is Promoting Sustainable Travel in Nigeria
Challenges facing Tourism in Nigeria
Though the projection of tourism in Nigeria is lucrative, there are barriers, including inadequate structures. Small business owners should encourage the construction of better foundations, either through the provision of governmental organisations or associations. It is noteworthy to develop other means of transportation or lease partnerships with local transport whose services are more convenient for passengers. Safety issues will likely discourage many people from travelling, but explaining precautions taken during the trip or at a place of staying could also help lessen concerns. Getting into direct collaboration with the local police force or security establishments ensures standard implementing measures are implemented.
Conclusion
Understanding the country’s travel landscape and developing it as a tourism destination can be essential in moving Nigeria’s travel industry forward. That is why Nigeria’s tourism industry is in the capable hands of these young entrepreneurs, who bring new ideas and a positive change mindset.
Using these approaches and being flexible in following trends, Gen Z entrepreneurs will not only help Nigeria increase the popularity of tourism among the country’s people but also improve the quality of travel and allow people from all over the world to make valuable and inspiring memories.Â
