Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator, Finchglow Travels, has expressed concern over the development of the country’s travel and tourism sector, highlighting that while some progress has been achieved, growth remains uneven.
The organisation shared this insight while celebrating its 19th anniversary with a three-day internal workshop themed “Summer90 Plus: Power Up and Shine”.
Speaking at the anniversary event held on June 28, Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun, Managing Director of Finchglow Travels, affirmed that the organisation is advancing industry progress through strategic investments in capacity building and innovative, tech-driven solutions.
He said, “This anniversary marks a strategic inflexion point for Finchglow Travels. The travel industry is evolving fast, and our response is to evolve faster from the inside out. We are making deliberate investments in people, processes, and platforms to lead the next phase of growth.
“Our people remain our greatest asset. We are investing in upskilling, data, automation, and forward-looking technologies, such as AI, to ensure we stay ahead not just operationally, but intellectually and strategically. We understand that a team aligned on purpose is a competitive advantage in itself.
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The industry is progressing, albeit unevenly. At Finchglow, we are helping drive that progress through capacity development, tech-forward strategies, and a push for stronger data intelligence across the ecosystem. The future will belong to those who can blend service excellence with a smart, scalable, innovative structure.”
According to Vanguard, Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector stands at a critical juncture, brimming with untapped potential yet hampered by persistent challenges. To truly transform this industry into a major economic powerhouse, a multi-faceted and concerted effort is required, moving beyond piecemeal efforts to a holistic national strategy. As industry leaders like Finchglow Travels have rightly pointed out, growth has been uneven, underscoring the urgent need for a more deliberate and cohesive approach.
The foundational challenge lies in addressing the core issues that have historically deterred visitors, both domestic and international. The most pressing of these is security. A nation cannot invite the world to its shores if there are lingering perceptions of insecurity. This calls for a robust and visible commitment from the government, including the deployment of dedicated tourism security forces at key sites, enhanced intelligence gathering, and the implementation of a proactive public relations strategy to reshape the international narrative.
Simultaneously, the backbone of any vibrant tourism sector demands significant investment. Paved roads must reliably connect major cities to historical landmarks and natural wonders. Airports must be upgraded to world-class standards, offering efficient services and a welcoming first impression. Furthermore, the provision of consistent power and modern amenities at tourist sites is not a luxury; it is a necessity for a comfortable and enjoyable visitor experience.
Beyond infrastructure, a streamlined and empowering policy environment is paramount. A fragmented governance structure hinders progress, so establishing a powerful, centralised authority to oversee the tourism sector would be a game-changer. This body is tasked with simplifying complex visa procedures, introducing a visa-on-arrival system for targeted countries, and offering attractive incentives such as tax breaks and grants to private investors willing to build the hotels, resorts, and attractions that Nigeria so desperately needs.
With these foundational elements in place, Nigeria can begin to tell its story to the world. A unified national brand, professionally marketed through compelling visuals and engaging narratives, is essential. The nation’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich history must be showcased through a strategic digital marketing blitz, leveraging social media, travel influencers, and major booking platforms.
A targeted campaign to engage the Nigerian diaspora, echoing the success of similar initiatives in other African nations, would be a decisive first step and encourage a community of passionate ambassadors to share their homeland with the world. Active participation in global travel fairs would then forge vital partnerships with international tour operators, bringing Nigeria onto the global travel map.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers
What is a travel consolidator?
A travel consolidator is a company that acts as a wholesaler of airline tickets. They buy tickets in large volumes from airlines at a discounted rate and then sell them to travel agencies or directly to customers, often at a lower price than the published fare. Finchglow Travels is Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator.
What is “Summer90 Plus: Power Up and Shine”?
Summer90 Plus: Power Up and Shine” is a three-day internal workshop and initiative by Finchglow Travels. It is designed to upskill employees, discuss the latest industry trends, and prepare the company for the highly competitive summer travel season.
Who is the Managing Director of Finchglow Travels?
The managing director of Finchglow Travels is Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun. He is leading the company’s efforts in capacity development and tech-forward strategies.
What is the current state of the Nigerian travel and tourism sector?
According to Finchglow Travels, the Nigerian travel and tourism sector is progressing, but its growth is uneven. The company believes that strategic investments in technology, capacity development, and data intelligence are key to driving more consistent progress across the industry.
What role does technology play in Finchglow Travels’ strategy?
Technology is a core component of Finchglow Travels’ strategy. The company is making deliberate investments in automation, data, and forward-looking technologies, such as AI, to improve operational efficiency, enhance service delivery, and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.