The Nation Newspaper

Category: Travels on Saturday

  • ANJET advises on leadership changes at NTDC

    THE  umbrella body of travel and tourism journalists in the country, the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) has advised the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, over happenings at the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) that have seen the appointment of three acting directors-general for the tourism body within five months.

    The body, in a statement, described the trend as sending the signals, creating instability as well as tainting stakeholders’ confidence in Nigerian tourism in addition to dampening the enthusiasm of the agency’s workforce.

    It would be recalled that a circular issued from the Office of the Head of Service, had announced the appointment of another Acting Director General, Dr Paul Adalikwu, for the tourism regulatory agency, barely two months after the former Acting Director General, Mrs. Mariel Rae  Omoh, had assumed duties.

    Adalikwu, a Director in the Ministry of Water Resources, who served as aide to immediate past Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke, was appointed in an acting capacity.

    It would also be recalled that Rae -Omoh in December last year had taken over from Mr. Boniface Eboka, a senior director at the NTDC, who was appointed in November as acting DG following the sack of Mrs. Sally Uwechue  Mbanefo as Executive Director on November 27.

    ANJET posited that the frequent change of leadership at the NTDC spells a negative indicator for the industry, which is capable of further worsening the fortunes of tourism, still struggling to make any impact in the country’s comatose economy.

    “We believe the minister may not have been informed about the true state of affairs at the NTDC before these appointments which have seen three different acting Directors-General all in a space of five months, in the same NTDC is not in good light for an agency and tourism that have not done over the years.

    “We restate that we are not against the person of Adalikwu. However, we frown at the spate of appointments and changes at the helm of affairs at the corporation, which we believe does not augur well for business in the tourism industry or even at the NTDC itself, especially the morale of the workforce.

    “This position is also in view of the degrading of 15 members of staff, including Rae  Omoh, who has now been made deputy director, in the gale of changes, which swept through the corporation. These frequent appointments can only damage the confidence of stakeholders and other investors alike in the industry which is still struggling to find headway in a difficult economy like ours.

    “We are of the opinion that the wave of appointments of acting DGs under five months is not the panacea to solving the myriad of problems at the NTDC or in the tourism subsector of the country. The action of the minister, therefore, can only be a recipe for worsening the problems at the NTDC rather than solving them. This is aside the unwholesome prospects of instability, disharmony and mistrust among the staff in the corporation which these changes portend.

  • Tenstrings, ‘The Lagosian’ partner to promote tourism in Lagos

    ONE of the leading music schools in Nigeria, the Tenstrings Music Institute and The Lagosian magazine are partnering to  promote and sell Lagos as a tourist destination for music, leisure and business.

    This was made known during the signing of the agreement between the proprietor of the institute, Mr. Emmanuel Akapo and the Editor-in-Chief of the magazine.

    With the synergy between the two organizations, Mr. Akapo became the Chairman of The Lagosian magazine. He said the decision to make a foray into the media was to sell destination Lagos to the world and also promote entertainment.

    He said: “Media is key to whatever sector you belong to. I know the best selling news apart from sports and politics is entertainment. In the world of entertainment, I have had huge experience. I always tell people, if you give me any amount of money for showbiz, it can never go down the drain again. Even if it appears an unwise investment, it can never go bad. I am sure of that.

    “One of the reasons why I am coming into the media is that I am very sure that when it comes to the world of entertainment, we can’t get it wrong. I have paid the price. I have failed severally and learnt on the job.

    “The Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, when he was coming in, I was excited about Operation THESE (Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment, Sports and Exhibition). I said this governor was going to support, but it is events and activities that he is pushing. This is not sustainable, it is not generating trade, it is a structure, a system that needs to be created for the whole industry.

    “So, I see this now as a springboard to the  agenda-tourism, hospitality, entertainment and so on-to launder it the right way and then get all stakeholders to come in”.

    Tenstrings, apart from being a music school, has also been generating visitors to the Lagos as school has students coming from different parts of Africa.

    The signing of the agreement  with The Lagosian was done at the marking of  10th  anniversary of the  Tenstrings Music Institute.

    Akapo spoke also on the school and the vision for the future: “To do more of the things that I have been doing because there are chances that we could succeed moving further than where we are coming from. If I start a music school now, I can sell more than I sold last year. This is because I understand the business more. I am evolving.

    “I will be foolish to be doing something totally different .  It is to keep doing the same thing since I have learnt so much on the job. Music is my passion. I discover recently that I am also a businessman. Business is also a talent, trading ideas and creativity.

    “The business of creativity is also something that I am passionate about. One of the reasons that we have done this little that we have done over the years is that I have been able to take a role in the business I am doing which is to manage. I don’t struggle to be in the limelight with the artists.

    Speaking also on the partnership, the Editor-in-Chief of The Lagosian ,said: “We will be talking tourism and entertainment because of this marriage. We said from Lagos to the world, that is the mantra of The Lagosian.”

  • Former NANTA publicity secretary for burial next week

    FORMER National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA),  Dr. Charity Chikodi  Iriobe,  who died in November last year in United States of America (USA)  will be laid to rest next week.

    In a release signed by her husband, Captain Victor Iriobe, her remains will be buried at Ebony Vaults,  Alagbon Close,  Ikoyi.

    Until her death,  Dr Iriobe was a lecturer in the Department of Educational Foundation, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Akoka.

    Before moving over to the academia, Dr. Iriobe was a successful tourism practitioner and consultant, erstwhile Managing Director Odafane Travel and Tours Limited and former Publicity Secretary of the NANTA.

    Her funeral rite begins on January 19 with a commendation service at the University of Lagos main auditorium by 9. 00 am and later there will be a service of songs and Christian wake at the VGC Recreation Park from 5 p.m.

  • Nigeria’s first tour booking website debuts

    A new tour online booking site has been launched, giving tourists a chance to easily find tour packages around Nigeria.

    Naijaholidays.com, a newly established online service owned by Avantgarde Tours Limited, has been designed to sell tour packages organised by Avantgarde Tours and other reputable tour operators in the country.

    Some of the leading tour operators in the country like Travel Next Door owned by award-winning travel journalist, Pelu Awofeso, and SJ Tours, owned by the chairperson of the Lagos chapter of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mrs Abiola Ogunbiyi, are already packaging tour products for naijaholidays.com.

    Mr Efetobo Awhana, the Managing Director of Avantgarde Tours enthused that Nigeria is a very beautiful country that can rival other prime tourist destinations in the world.

    According to him, Nigeria has no excuse not to benefit from tourism as all the excuses of insecurity, infrastructures and others often touted by some do not hold water. He pointed that all the thriving and successful tourism destinations have one form of challenge or the other, with many facing these same that we have.

    “Before now, it is almost impossible to go online and get information about tours in the country. We have over the years been turning down clients whose budgets weren’t big enough for outbound tours. However, now we have more people who cannot afford outbound tours and will therefore look for valuable packages around the country.

    “We must take advantage of this situation for good  to help Nigerians imbibe the culture of travelling around Nigeria,” said Efetobo Awhana.

    He emphasized that giving visitors an “easy way to enjoy the splendour and beauty of our rich cultural, natural and man-made attractions” has been his main concern as well as the “boundless opportunities for the communities around the attractions to fight poverty and benefit from the trickle-down effects of tourism”.

    Avantgarde Tours has thus launched this valuable service to cater first for Nigerians. Soon, the service will be extended to foreigners who, for the time being, can only book any of the tours available offline.  The first objective is to build the awareness and confidence of Nigerians in domestic tourism who will then become ambassadors for the country when they travel out.

    Asked about the kind of service that tourists can expect from his online booking site, Efetobo Awhana enumerated several benefits awaiting his customers.

    “First, tourists want to get information before they decide to take any tour package. So, naijaholidays.com also has a blog about the different places of interest,” Efetobo Awhana explained.

    The new website allows tourists to choose from several payment options powered by technology company, REMITA. They can pay using a card, make an online transfer or even take down the booking number and make payments at the bank.

    He further added that tourists enjoy the advantage of great company and networking on the tours, which is one of the major attractions for group tours. Many lifelong friendships and business partnerships are often built via these meetings in laid back settings.

  • Lufthansa goes online on short-haul, mid-range flights

    Passengers on Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines  could send emails from a height of 10,000 meters and also shop online while flying, stream videos above the clouds – and all of that with broadband quality.

    These are innovations about to be introduced on the two airlines. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines will be able to go online on shorter journeys too – as they have already been able to do for some time on long haul flights like on the Nigerian routes.

    “This great news means that passengers from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt can connect seamlessly to the internet while traveling to any destination in Europe, Middle East and Northern Africa”, said Mr Robin Sohdi, Lufthansa country manager in Nigeria.

    Last summer, Lufthansa received the so-called Supplemental Type Certificate for the Airbus fleet A320 from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and successfully concluded all the necessary preparation work. Now the next stage of testing on Lufthansa and Austrian routes will start, initially involving five aircraft in each case. Passengers who fly on these aircraft will be offered free Internet use during this test phase. The analysis of the user behaviour will provide the data necessary to further enhance the service ahead of its market launch.

    Harry Hohmeister, member of the Board of Directors of Deutsche Lufthansa AG and responsible for Hub Management, said: “I am pleased that we can soon offer broadband Internet to our passengers on inner-European flights, giving them the chance to have a seamless digital experience. Since the launch of Lufthansa Flynet, it has been our goal to offer added value on board to our customers through innovation – and that also includes our Internet provision”.

    In the first quarter of 2017, the number of Lufthansa aircraft fitted out with Internet access will rise to around 20. One by one, the entire Lufthansa A320 fleet is to be equipped with the latest advanced technology by the middle of 2018.

  • Lagos forges ahead in tourism

    Lagos State residents were spoilt for choice as the government of the state, with One Lagos tourism and entertainment activities in five divisions: Agege, Victoria, Epe, Badagry and Ikorodu . Governor Akinwunmi Ambode had promised to make Lagos a tourism hub and true to this promise, the Lagos State with the One Lagos project had not only created an authentic Lagos celebration, but also spoilt Lagosians with opportunities for relaxation and fun.

    The One Lagos fiesta was put together by the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Information Ministry of the state not only to promote and nurture the culture of relaxation and healthy fun, but to provide hidden young talents the opportunity for stardom.

    It was in the light of this that the Governor Ambode, in his address to flag off activities in Epe Centre of the One Lagos fiesta, said the event was put together to teach the youths the need to cultivate the habit of working hard so that they could achieve their dreams.

    Recalling his early years in Epe,  Ambode said the governor said he became governor of the state  through the grace of God and hard work.

    His words: “What I want to tell all of you is that we believe so much in all of you. We know that you are our future. I  started from here, and today by the grace of God, I happened to be your governor. There will be many governors from this crowd. But if you want to be a president; if you want to be a governor; if you want to a doctor or you want to be a lawyer and so on, you must work hard”.

  • Carnival Calabar: Melting pot of African culture

    If there was a year Carnival Calabar stamped its mark as Nigeria’s foremost tourist destination, it was 2016 during the last carnival. In the process, the city has also established itself as the number melting point for all cultures in Africa.

    For many who are used to the carnival, the high point was usually the carnival parade by the different bands. It is a fact that when the bands are out on the streets, Calabar bursts into colours. Every part of the town is lightened up by the parade of beautiful youths and elderly bedecked in wonderful, catchy costumes.

    While the revellers engaged in dancing and partying on the streets of Calabar kilometres of onlookers lined up the streets to watch, economic activities are also very active catering for thousands of tourists that descended on the city in search of fun.

    It is to the credit of the current administration of the state that the innovation which first introduced as a side kick of the main carnival, is now taking a life of its own. The international carnival, in its second year, was almost rivaling the main carnival both in content and  the competition that goes with the performance.

    Thirteen countries from Africa, Europe and America participated in the second edition of the carnival. For those who may not be in the know, it was not just the participation of these countries that  shows the significance now attached to the festival internationally, but the efforts and sacrifice that these performers passed through to perform before Africa and the world on the Calabar Carnival platform.

    The weather was bad. There was also the uncertainty of whether to fly or not to fly. These performers endured having to fly and land in nearby states of Rivers and Akwa Ibom and travel by road to to Calabar.  They had to put up a spectacle  a few hours after arriving Calabar after long road journey. The zeal and passion in their performance was not dampened.  Among the countries in attendance were Braziil, South Africa, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Egypt, South Korea, Croatia, Ethiopia and many other countries.

    The performance by both Brazilian and South Africa troupes were exceptional.  At the end of the day, the Vai Vai troupe from Brazil carried the day. One needs not  to be a prophet to know that the international carnival in Calabar in their next few years will see more countries and more competitive.

    Meanwhile, Seagull Band led by Senator Florence Ita-Giwa emerged the 2016 winner of Carnival Calabar. The band dethroned the seven times winner of the carnival float procession, the Passion Four Band.  Passion Four Band came second, while the Masta Blasta Band came third.

    The competing bands had worked under the 2016 theme of Climate Change. Organisers said they chose this year’s theme to reflect current global realities, with a view to drawing the attention of government and  individuals to the need to take necessary action against climate change.

    Seagull Band’s interpretation of the theme was educative and the band delivered it with entertainment.

    Thousands from within and outside the country had converged on the ancient city of Calabar to be part of the festival. This is the second edition of the festival under the current governor of the state, Professor Ben Ayade.

    This year’s festival had much colour and variety with the participation of more than 12 countries.

    Governor Ben Ayade, during the flagging of the grand finale,  described Carnival Calabar as the melting pot of Africa’s hospitality. He said that the carnival, which had gained international recognition over the years, had continued to grow bigger, better and bolder.

    “The flag off of the grand finale of the 2016 Calabar Carnival represents the true beginning of African enjoyment. As we have started today, this is the beginning of a new dawn in Africa. Calabar Carnival remains the largest street party in Africa.

  • Southern Sun Ikoyi unveils facilities at corporate cocktail

    Southern Sun Hotel, Ikoyi brought the year to an end with a VIP cocktail party. The hotel treated customers, friends and esteemed individuals of Lagos thriving business community to an exclusive year end Corporate VIP Cocktail event, which also marked the unveiling of its newly refurbished meeting and boardroom facilities.

    Celebrating the refurbished new look of the hotel and speaking fondly about the success of the year end corporate VIP cocktail event, Mark Loxley, General Manager Southern Sun Ikoyi thanked guests for their continued business support and patronage of the hotel, especially through the year 2016.

    Acknowledging a need for a boost within the sector, especially locally and due to the prevailing economic situation, Mr. Loxley said: “We are excited to showcase the recent enhancements to the hotel, and it is the perfect opportunity for our valued long-term partners and new guests to experience our dedication in delivering the Southern Sun Ikoyi signature in comfort, hospitality and brand values.” He closed his address by wishing all guests, friends and partners of the hotel a great and fulfilling Christmas season.

    Guests at the year end corporate VIP cocktail event were also treated to a delicious array of sweet and savoury bites, including fresh prawns, juicy steak burgers, fine wine and champagne alongside assorted cheeses and much more, as they relaxed and networked over glasses filled with finely blended juices.

    Some special guests from the diplomatic community gracing the evening’s occasion included Mr. Vhangani Peter Makwarela, the Counsellor Political from the Southern African Consulate General in Nigeria, who particularly expressed great delight at the opportunity to meet and mingle with esteemed individuals from Lagos thriving business community.

    The evening continued with the delicate tunes by a saxophonist followed by a special session of lucky prize draws, wherein guests had the opportunity to win scrumptious dinners for two, Sunday brunch for four, luxurious weekend stays at the Southern Sun Ikoyi, a Star Prize trip to sister property, Southern Sun Mayfair in Nairobi and an economy class ticket to Mombasa, Kenya.

  • Holidaymakers troop to Calabar for carnival

    As the year is gradually going to an end, attention shifts to Cross Rivers State for the annual Carnival Calabar.

    Activities for this year’s event started on  December 1 with the World Aids Day and Aids Awareness Walk and the opening of the Christmas Village. The walk is meant to engage young minds on how to stay safe from the disease.

    According to the schedule events released by the organisers, part of activities lined for this year’s event include a talent hunt show dubbed Calabar Got’s Talent Series 1 and 2.

    The talent show is expected to identify people that are gifted in one area of life and can be groomed to become future stars in life.

    The organisers, said the TINAPA Family Christmas event, commenced on Thursday, December 22, with a cultural parade, a continuation of Calabar Got’s Talent Series 3. It said this would be followed by a display of rich cultural delicacies of the Calabar people with African-Food Fest, series 4 of the Calabar Got’s talent.

    As part of the TINAPA Family Christmas programme, ‘Utomo Obong Efik Cultural Colourful Event’ will hold today at the Obong’s residence drive way Tinapa and Family Carol Service with Her Excellency, Dr Linda Ayade.

    The Christmas Carnival Concert, one of the biggest in the country will come up at  Calabar Stadium.

    The children party will hold alongside the Youth Carnival on the 26th, with Kings and Queens of Bands competition and a music concert.

    Hot Wheels Bikers Parade By Metallic Bike Club, one of the highlights of the carnival, will hold on December 27. Last year’s carnival played host to over 1,000 power bikers drawn from Nigeria, China, Canada, Australia, Germany, the US, Philippines, Togo, Ghana and Benin Republic. In a 12-kilometre ride, the bikers performed different types of stunts to the admiration of ecstatic crowd that lined up along the carnival route to catch a glimpse of the extreme riders.

    Also, Governors Ball will be taking place on the 27th at the Calabar International Convention Centre at 9 pm.

    Africa biggest street carnival is slated for the 28th with the traditional five bands: Freedom Band, Bayside Band, Passion4 Band, Seagul Band and Master Blasta Band. The bands with their colourful customs will be on ground to thrill revelers added with other side attractions. There will also be music concert at the UJ Esuene stadium to entertain guest at night.

    The international musical concert slated for the 29th and powered by MTV Base is expected to feature top music icons in the industry.

    The Green Symposium, Green Carnival, Tinapa Dark Knight Motor Drift Rally and Stunt Display, Green Ball/ Sponsors Stakeholders Dinner & Unveiling Of 2017 Christmas Festival/Carnival Calabar Theme, Calabar Rocks Music Concert & Dj Grand Slam will hold on  December 30.

    The climax of the carnival party will hold on December 31 with fireworks at midnight

  • Dubai Shopping Festival now longer, bigger

    The 22nd annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) billed to kick off on Monday, December 26, will be the longest running edition. It will be starting for the first time in December and will  last for 34 days till the end of January 2017. There will be a lot for visitors: entertainment, fashion, shopping, promotions, raffles, prizes and other attractions.

    There would be daily 12-hour shopping extravaganza across six malls, 70 brands and 150 retail outlets, over the widest spectrum of indoor and outdoor entertainment venues. The DSF would feature raffles by carmakers Nissan and Infiniti, fashion and music fusion, street runways, fireworks every weekend, VISA impossible deals, concerts, traditional souks, and visits to must-see destinations in Dubai.

    Each purchase comes with many shopping rewards and chances to win big.

    At the DSF, visitors are to expect an action-packed five weeks that include 200 celebrities and influencers, 4,000 participating retailers, 5,000 retail promotions and over ₦8 billion (Dh100 million) in prizes to be won. For 34 days, visitors will see the most beautiful gold and jewelry in the City of Gold.

    Stella Obinwa, Head, Africa Region, Dubai Tourism, revealed DSF is partnering with leading local and international brands in the retail and related sectors to offer fantastic promotions and discounts to families and visitor.

    “DSF and its partners have been working hard on making the 2017 edition a retail experience like none before and long after. The 22nd annual shopping extravaganza is longer, bigger and better! Five weeks of making dreams come true for both new and repeat visitors. Let us show you how.

    “The best and high-end brands promise to deliver that exceptional shopping experience. DSF 2017 is bringing all these brands together. Expect exclusives, limited-edition items, in-store styling sessions and product launches. This is the perfect escape to wrap up 2016 and begin 2017,”Obinwa said.

    Most important for the ever business-minded is the popular Market OTB (Outside the Box), which is an avenue to meet 100 local and regional designers and entrepreneurs who are always willing to answer questions and talk about what it takes to be a success on the world stage. Holding across 10 days at the Burj Park towards the end of the Festival, the Market OTB also features home decor, fashion, accessories, children’s programmes, entertainment for families, 20 food options and 30 performances.

    Obinwa also said, “Dubai is home to 200 nationalities. Business and leisure travellers alike can tap from a melting pot of minds offering dynamism and opportunity. DSF is centrally about transforming your look, home and life. The five-week city-wide celebration of daily cash prizes, concerts and catwalks highlights the best retail experience obtainable in EMEA, loaded with unforgettable moments in Dubai, and brimming with daily chances to win life-changing prizes from luxury cars, gold, cash, and exotic holidays around the city.”