The Nation Newspaper

Category: Travels on Saturday

  • Ooni set to transform Ife to tourist destination

    BEFORE his crowning as the Ooni of Ife, Oba  Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11,   had always shown deep passion and knowledge of tourism and how the industry could positively transform a host community and empower the indigenes of the place.

    It is with this knowledge that he transformed a hitherto virgin land with little economic activities into a prime tourism site in Lagos. The Ooni built the Inagbe Grand Resort to become one of the  prime resorts in Lagos. It is an  all-inclusive hideaway that offers visitors opportunity to enjoy nature at its best.

    On one side of the resort is the calm lagoon front, and on the other side, the blue Atlantic Ocean front. The resort is  complemented by first class facilities and services. The Ooni achieved this  using locally sourced materials for the design, construction and decoration.

    It was, therefore, not surprising that the first area of interest to the new Ooni on ascending the throne of his forefathers was how to transform the ancient city of Ile Ife into a destination capable of attracting a large number of tourists.

    The city of Ile-Ife is blessed with rich historical sites and artifacts to attract a large number of inbound tourists to the city. Many argue that the town ought to be a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, some of the ingredients to transform the city into a tourist destination are still not in place.

    Top among these is the number of bed spaces available in the city and the quality.  There is also the need for the sites to be streamlined  and value added by providing  other facilities capable of keeping the tourists engaged after visiting the sites.   These, among others, are the areas the Ooni is about to focus on to transform the ancient city.

    To this end, the Ooni, through his newly appointed chief tourism adviser and consultant, Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, who is the founder of La Campagne and Motherland Beckons, disclosed that Oba Ojaja 11 is set to declare Ife a tourism zone on February 26 and to kick-start the development of the zone into a tourism destination of world-class standard has concluded plans to build a N7.6 billion Ife Grand Resort.

    Also in line with his resolve to foster peace and unity amongst his people, a major ingredient for sustainable tourism development, and put to rest the ghost of the over 200 years old conflict between Ife – Modakeke, the Ooni over the week brushed aside all protocols and barriers to attend the Modakeke Day celebration even as he announced the employment of 20, 000 widows from the over 40, 000 widows recorded in the last Ife – Modakeke crisis to work in the tourism zone project with a promise to absolve the remaining 20, 000 widows alongside the teeming population of unemployed as the project gathers traction.

    The Ooni’s attendance at the Modakeke Day celebration has been hailed by many people as a deft move by the Kabiyesi to finally bury the Ife – Modakeke intermittent conflict that has lingered for over 200 years as this has never been done by any Ooni in the past 200 years, as attending Akoraye Day in Modakeke, is a way of not only healing the wounds of the past, but also clearing the negative past and replacing it with a prosperous future through tourism.

    As part of the grand design to secure life and property in Ife, the Kabiyesi has approved the construction of a watch tower with standby rapid response squad that is fully equipped and which response time to any distress call should not be more than 10 minutes and this time frame hopefully would be cut to five minutes in the days ahead.

    Speaking on these new initiatives by the Ooni, Akinboboye, who has also announced the Kabiyesi as the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, said it is a grand design by the Ooni to redesign the tourism map and agenda of Ife by drawing the attention of Africans, the Diaspora and the entire globe to it in a way that has never been done in the history of the former Ife Kingdom, which is not only regarded as the Source of Yoruba but the cradle of South West civilisation.

    According to him, ‘‘the glory of Ife is finally coming to light. Ife is now the new destination in Africa as the sleeping giant of tourism in Africa wakes up to a new reality,’’ insisting that henceforth the whole world would come to Ife on religious, cultural, economic,  educational and archaeological  tourism, among others, as the new Ooni constructs a new agenda for  the kingdom of Ile Ife.

    Akinboboye revealed that the declaration ceremony and the kick-off for Motherland Beckons has been fixed for February 27 with the president of Black Lawyers in England and Wales, Peter Herbert, billed to deliver the keynote address, while the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) America, among a host of other dignitaries are expected at the event.

    This development from the palace, he said, is in partnership with La Campagne with Motherland Beckons serving as a multi – purpose vehicle for bringing to fruition the agenda of the Ooni.

  • Lufthanza Express Carsharing launched

    Lufthanza Express Carsharing launched

    Lufthansa Express Carsharing has been launched throughout Europe. In cooperation with the worldwide operating carsharing company car2g. According to a release by Lufthansa, passengers from Nigeria and around the world can make the most of preferential conditions when using the car2go service.

    The service will be launched in Germany at Berlin-Schönefeld, Berlin-Tegel, Cologne/Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart Airports. The first European airports to offer the carsharing service will include Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Madrid, Stockholm and Vienna, as well as the Italian destinations of Florence, Milan, Rome and Turin.

    With the new Lufthansa Express, passengers can find various options for comfortable and convenient travel to and from the airport  along with their flight  all in one place. In addition to buses, trains and even helicopters, Lufthansa Express Carsharing offers passengers yet a further option for easy transport to the airport. This is a particularly attractive service for passengers travelling alone or as a pair. At the airport, passengers can park the smart fortwo vehicles provided by Lufthansa’s partner car2go in specially designated parking spaces near the terminal.

    When using car2go, Lufthansa passengers save not only the parking fees by leaving their own cars at home but for bookings made until 15 June 2016, they also do not have to pay the airport charge or the additional car2go registration fee of 19 euros. Customers who have already registered for car2go will also save the additional airport charge if they place their booking via LH.com. In Germany the fee lies between 4.90 Euro and 12 Euro (Munich).

    Customers can register for the service by visiting LH.com/carsharing. Lufthansa guests will then be redirected to the car2go homepage. After they have presented their driver’s licence and further identification at one of the specified validation points, customers can use the app or the website to locate the nearest vehicle and reserve it for as long as they want.

    Once they have signed up for car2go via Lufthansa Express, customers can also use the carsharing service for other journeys in the city. Fees for the service are calculated according to vehicle use by the minute. The Daimler subsidiary currently offers its service at a total of 31 locations in Europe and North America and operates a fleet of more than 14,000 vehicles used by over 1 million customers.

  • Beach carnival at Dubai Shopping Festival

    Beach carnival at Dubai Shopping Festival

    Shopping Festival has added carnival at the beach as part of the fun at the on-going month-long shopping festival. According to the organizers, the Dubai Tourism Board, the carnival was to help everybody get into the celebratory mood.  The  report also said families can enjoy a fantastic atmosphere of fun.

    The Festival unfolded across the city last week with bargain hunters expecting bigger discounts this year following last year’s retail slowdown.

    Thousands of visitors and the occasional celebrity are expected to descend on the city’s malls, with many major retail chains currently discounting products to 30 per cent as a ‘part sale’.

    Further reductions are likely to emerge as the festival, entitled ‘Unwrap the exceptional’, progresses throughout January, before finishing on February 1.

    To kickstart the festival, organisers Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment have erected a series of colourful lighting systems and decorations at various locations, including Sheikh Zayed Road, the entrance to Dubai International Airport and by Mall of Emirates.

    More than 150 events and workshops have also been scheduled, including a ‘Beauty Bonanza’ at Dubai Mall which takes place until January 8.

    Meanwhile, extravagant fashion shows will be staged at Mall of the Emirates as streets are turned into runways in Al Fahidi, Burj Plaza and Meena Bazaar.

    The Dubai Ice Rink will present ‘Fashion on Ice’ on January 17 and look out for fashion flash mobs at Ibn Battuta And Dubai Festival City Mall.

    Continuing the festival’s ‘mega raffles’ tradition, the festival will this year be offering an Infiniti QX70 car plus  cash.

  • Golden Tulip Lagos Airport Hotel opened for business

    Golden Tulip Lagos Airport Hotel opened for business

    Golden Tulip Lagos Airport Hotel has opened for business after months of undergoing serious make over, swelling the ranks of hospitality outfits in Lagos. The former Woodridge Hotel, is now revamped to meet the International standard with local flavour, which is located in Ajao Estate, Isolo, is certainly a place where you would be spoilt for choice.

    The latest addition to Golden Tulip brand in Lagos and Nigeria, boasts a rich ambience, with inviting scenery while its facilities are luxuriously styled and its services are tailored to cater for the discerning business and leisure travellers. It comes with some of the finest and most sophisticated hospitality gadgets, all exuding pomp and panache.

    Speaking on the mission of the newly opened hotel, the general manager, Vikas Kane, said that it is a choice property, which is devoted to the promotion of the highest standard and quality in hospitality, adding that patrons with rich life style and corporate bodies would find the hotel an exciting hideaway to savour the best of hospitality services and entertainment.

    ‘‘Our hotel team is trained to be dedicated to satisfying our customers with International hospitality services, standard and local flavor. The team is highly motivated and determined to provide you with genuine warm hospitality services in accordance to the professional international Golden Tulip standards. You and your guests will surely feel at home at the Golden Tulip Lagos Airport Hotel where you experience “International Standard with Local Flavours,” said Kane.

    He disclosed that as an international brand that the hotel is committed to maintaining the high standard for which Golden Tulip is known across the global, however, he insisted that the hotel offers a blend of local elements and flavours as well that visitors can easily relate with as the idea is to give the guests the best of the two world – international and local tastes.

    Golden Tulip Lagos Airport Hotel has 101 rooms of different categories – Standard, Diplomat and Club rooms, Junior and Club suites, all classically styled, luxuriously fitted and furnished with some of the best hospitality elements such as LCD flat screen, mini – bar, jacuzzi/bathroom, tea/coffee making amenities, large size comfy bed, wifi and complementary drinks among others.

    Other facilities include, a lounge, executive bar, restaurant, swimming pool with a pool bar and relaxation arcade, fully equipped fitness and health centre, an expansive banquet hall and meeting rooms as well as laundry and dry cleaning services, airport shuttle, concierge, 24 hours room service, 24 power supply and secured environment.

  • Festival of Flavours holds in Lagos

    Festival of Flavours holds in Lagos

    Harbour Point, Victoria Island, venue of Fiesta of Flavours, West Africa’s biggest food and beverage fair, came alive recently when Eventful Limited, foremost event planning company in Nigeria, set a record of organizing the biggest food and beverage fair in West Africa.

    The opening ceremony of the fair had a panel session which unmasked critical issues facing the agricultural sector of the country.  Discussing on the topic ‘is food the new oil’ panelists drawn from every section of the Nigerian agricultural food chain highlighted the numerous benefits that abound in the Nigerian agriculture and food processing industry and ways to tap there opportunities.

    While speaking on the inspiration behind Fiesta of Flavours, Convener of the food and beverage fair and CEO of Eventful limited, Mrs. Yewande Zacchaeus, said the initiative is meant to explore the numerous untapped potentials in Nigerian agriculture and food processing sector, “Food is an essential part of our cultural heritage and identity. We ventured into this to drawing attention to the neglected of Nigerian agriculture industry” she said.

    Mrs. Zacchaeus also noted that eventful limited is supporting the entirety of the agriculture value chain, from food production to transportation, retailing and consumption by initiating conversations in industry.

    Food is the new oil, a well-developed agriculture and food processing industry has the capacity to providing jobs, increasing self and community reliance and fostering economic growth. We aim to be the driving force and partner of first choice in facilitating this growth and building the future of the nation.

    The first lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode commended the initiative “it is important that we start discussing about agriculture and food production in this country, the industry is indeed has a huge market, with a population of over One Hundred and Eighty million people, an event of this nature couldn’t have come at a better time”.

    Speaking about the convener, the first lady said she is not surprised with this innovation because Mrs. Zaccheaus is, synonymous with first, “an amiable and distinctive entrepreneur with midas touch. This is another first, and a new dimension the world of hospitality management” she said.

    Chief Executive Officer, Culinary Academy, Chef Titan Alile said the event is a platform for stakeholders in the food and agriculture industry to discuss challenges facing the industry. “The agriculture and food industry in Nigeria has been neglected for the past fifty years, we can see the effect of this in the quality of produce we get and the fact that a lot of food and farm produce are now being imported from neighboring countries”.

    “We have celebrity chefs from South-Africa to present fine dining in the highest culinary level. Our Nigerian Chefs are also here to present different Food Demos; you the opportunities to compete in cooking competitions to showcase your culinary skills. In addition, we have lined up several trainings and seminars for food service professionals on the best practices in the industry as well as trainings on fine dining etiquettes,” she added.

  • Falling in love with Ethiopia’s Four Sisters

    Falling in love with Ethiopia’s Four Sisters

    THE old man at the entrance of the restaurant stood at attention. He wore a faded brown uniform with a black beret cap to match. On the approach of visitors, he raised an old weather-beaten trumpet and gave a short blast of sound accompanied by a salute. That was the first stage of welcome as tourists arrived at one of the leading traditional restaurants in Gondar, Ethiopia. Four Sisters, the name of the restaurant, was stylishly carved out on a signboard made of old wood.

    In the restaurant, the whiff of Ethiopian black coffee hit the nostrils. One of the indulgences most tourists to Ethiopia reminisce on is the acquired taste for black organic coffee. In Ethiopia, coffee is like religion. It is celebrated in the way that the Igbo people of Nigeria celebrate kolanuts.

    Four Sisters restaurant in the heart of Gondar was the first close contact with the Amhara people that inhabit the ancient city. They were very warm and welcoming. Most Ethiopian dishes are heavily spiced, but there were elements of continental cuisine on the dinner table. There were so many unfamiliar meals on the dinner table, but having become familiar with Enjira, the national food of Ethiopian people, it was safe to settle for it.

    The Four Sisters restaurant is not just about food, it is a celebration of all that is unique about Ethiopian culture. After the trumpeting by the ex-serviceman at the gate, at the threshold was a young man in national attire of white calico with a dash of yellow, red and green – Ethiopian and Rastafarian choice of colours. The young man held a local string instrument similar to the kutugi of the Hausa made popular by the late musician of repute, Dan Maraya Jos. Beside a lady bearing the name tag of Aden, the youth welcomed guests with a broad smile.

    Inside and around the Four Sisters, the décor is purely local in the artwork and media of expression. Compared to northern Ethiopia, the Gondar region appeared more successful in farming. Outside the Enjira, made of teff seeds common in Ethiopia, one couldn’t recognise much of the delicacies on offer. But they were delicious and quite close to what obtains in Nigeria. All through the meals wafted the aroma of coffee without a sign of it. As if on cue, as the lunch neared the end, a young lady appeared with roasted coffee beans that emitted a strong pleasant smell. She passed it from one guest to the other to sniff the aroma.

    The next ceremony involved serving the beverage in small porcelain cups. After the meal and before departure, the Four Sisters were not still not finished as a cultural dance was staged for the guests. It was then that the work of the young man with the local string instrument became evident. The dancers performed local numbers and invited the tourists to join in the fun. Even without understanding the wordings of the mucic, it sounded good, and there was little prompting needed for visitors, especially the men, to join.

    Four Sisters, as the name implied, is owned by four sisters who said they wanted to use the restaurant to display ‘food from the heart’ and authentic Ethiopian cuisines passed to them by their mother.

    Impressed by the ambience and service, many Nigerians in the team expressed desire to marry the sisters and change the name of the restaurant to ‘No Sisters Restaurant’.

    It was soon time to leave and explore other parts of the enigmatic city of Gondar with its world-famous castles. There were also the Emperor Fasiledes bathing pool and an ancient monastery.

    Gondar was founded in 1635 by Emperor Fasiledes. For several centuries, Ethiopia had been ruled from a succession of temporary capitals and Fasiledes recognised that a permanent capital might help provide greater internal stability.

    By the time of Fasiledes’ death in 1667, Gondar was the largest and most important city in the empire. It retained its position as the capital of Ethiopia for 250 years, though this status was largely nominal from the late 18th century onwards.

    One remarkable thing about the ancient rulers of Gondar was each king’s desire to leave his footprint by building magnificent castles. The castles are still standing. Tour guides in each of the 11 castles regaled visitors with tales of royal conspiracy and intrigues.

    During unsettled periods between the 13th and 17th centuries, Ethiopian rulers moved their royal camps frequently. King Fasil (Fasiledes) settled in Gondar and established it as a permanent capital in 1636. After Fasil, successive kings continued building; improving the techniques and architectural style. Before its decline in the late 18th century, the royal court had developed from a camp into a fortified compound called Fasil Ghebbi, consisting of six major building complexes surrounded by a wall 900 metres long. There are some 20 palaces and royal buildings and 30 churches in the area.

    Handicrafts, painting, literature and music flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries. Fasil Ghebbi is included in the World Heritage List. The campaign also covers the royal Fasiledes Bath and the restoration of the celebrated painting in the Church of Debre Berhan Selassie.

    About two kilometres out of town lay the large sunken Fasiledes bathing pool. The pool is still used for the Timkat Festival which takes place every January. Tickets cannot be bought at the pool itself but entrance is included in the price for visiting the Royal Enclosure (providing you visit both on the same day).

    The church of Debre Birhan Selassie, a half-hour walk out of town, is regarded by some experts to contain the finest art of its period anywhere in Ethiopia. The church is most famous for its roof which is decorated with a painting of 80 cherubic faces. Apparently, Emperor Yohannis I intended to move the Ark of the Covenant here from Axum. Photography is permitted but useless without a flash or tripod.

  • Southern Sun Ikoyi celebrates with the less privileged

    Southern Sun Ikoyi celebrates with the less privileged

    Southern Sun Ikoyi marked the start of the festive season with a visit to the Arrows of God

    Orphanage in Ajah, Lagos. The visit which actively engaged the children with fun and laughter joyously added to the Christmas spirit of the season.

    In line with Southern Sun Ikoyi’s annual tradition of positively engaging and contributing to the growth and development of its community, the leading hotel has in the past years, been an ardent supporter of the orphanage. A non-government organization, The Arrows of God orphanage in Ajah, Lagos, cares for over 150 orphaned, abandoned and destitute children, providing the much needed upkeep for thewonderful children in addition to ensuring to meet up with all their academic needs.

    Over the years and as with its recently concluded annual Golf Day tournament, Southern Sun Ikoyi has

    launched several projects with proceeds from them given in support of the orphanage and to be used in

    assisting with the home’s daily operations.

    Commenting on the festive visit, Ubong Nseobot Sales/PR Manager Southern Sun Ikoyi thanked the management of the Arrows of God for according the hotel the heartwarming visit to the home. Ms.Nseobot continued that “as our adopted charity, we are ever eager to put a smile on the lovely faces of the children and especially during this festive time. We reiterate our unwavering commitment to the Arrows of God orphanage and the management of the hotel will continue to work in positively shaping the upbringing of these very lovely children”.

  • Carnival Calabar’s new dimension

    Carnival Calabar’s new dimension

    Prior to the Calabar Festival, Nigeria’s tourism assets had dwelled on the realms of “attractions” that could be developed.  There was then no part of Nigeria that could be described as a destination.

    The then administration of Donald Duke in 2005 launched the maiden edition of the Carnival Calabar. The thinking was to create a tourism product that would serve as a launch pad to draw both local and international tourists to Calabar.

    Duke organized the carnival for two years before handing over to Senator Liyel Imoke. Imoke grew the carnival from just being an event organized by the state government to an event that had huge private sector presence through sponsorship and endorsement.

    Also intellectual depth was added to create an annual theme that seeks to draw attention to contemporary issues through choreographed carnival presentation by bands.  There were also great efforts to professionalize the carnival activities and band through skill acquisition in the area of costume designs and sewing.

    Many youths in Cross River found different forms of expression through the Calabar Festival. It has also served as an opportunity to nurture local talents and groom them to stardom, the biggest acts that so far come from the festival shows in the last 11 years is Nyanya, one of the big acts in the Nigerian music industry.

    An industry that has benefitted so much in the transformation of Calabar to a tourist destination is the hospitality and tourism industry. Calabar has seen so much injection of funds to carry out hospitality  property development that more than 15,000 rooms have been added to the hospitality sector of Calabar. Although notable international brands are yet to berth in Calabar, there are high quality non-branded hotels available to visitors.

    Calabar Carnival, in the last 11 years, has changed a lot of things for Nigerians. Many say the only unifying factor among Nigerians is football. However, the Calabar Carnival has achieved this on a smaller scale. The carnival has become a tourism offering that many locals have bought into. Many among  Nigerians who hitherto travelled out of the country to spend their Christmas holidays are doing a rethink. Calabar, because of the carnival, has become a choice destination for them. That is the reason that despite the increase in the number of flights, Calabar during this period, they are never enough. It is difficult to get hotel accommodation, if one does not make advance booking. Many hospitality businesses during this period which has become their season, make much more than they make in the whole year.  Other ancillary tourism products like open bus tour of the city, water cruisin and, conferencing have grown around this prime product.

    Having done so much in the first eleven years of its existence, the current administration in Cross River led by Professor Ben Ayade has put in place machinery to take the festival to the next level. It will be the first time  new Cross River State governor is organizing the carnival and he wants to make it a memorable one.

    Outside the consolidation of the content to increase appreciation of the festival, the Ayade government is internationalizing the festival with greater participation of groups from within and outside Africa. The Sao Paulo, Brazil based Viva Band made an appearance in 2012. The Brazilians are coming back this year with greater force. In addition to this, about 10 African countries would be participating.

     

    •Governor Ben Ayade (right), Senator Itta Giwa, Carnival Queen and Chief Nike Ekundaye during the unveiling of 2015 Calabar Festival
    •Governor Ben Ayade (right), Senator Itta Giwa, Carnival Queen and Chief Nike Ekundaye during the unveiling of 2015 Calabar Festival

    Unveiling the theme of the Carnival Calabar and Festival which is “Climate Change”, Ayade enjoined all to be a part of the carnival.  He also revealed that carnival bands from 14 countries will be performing this year, with new innovations such as Bikers Parade, Old Automobile Model showcase and Disco Fiesta in celebration of African music. The notable Children Carnival has also been repackaged to take the form of family funfair.

    Ayade said: “There is need to localise the production of the costumes used during the event as a business angle to the festival”.

    The governor assured all of security, praising the state as having the lowest crime rate in Nigeria.  “Our people are emotionally stable and contented with what they have.  However, a full team of security operatives will be mobilised for the festival,”he said.

    On the international flavour being added to the band, the popular Brazilian Vai Vai Samba  Band from Sao Paolo will return.

    Also billed to be at Nigeria’s leading tourism event is the Flamenco of Spain Band, a group that parades a bevy of Spanish beauties for the spotlight.

    The bands will be slugging it out with several others, as part of the international carnival band competition introduced into the carnival calendar by Governor Ben Ayade.

    Also on the list is Italy, the land of the Azurris, which will also take part in the carnival. The Italians will be represented by the impressive and exciting Flag Twirlers.

    There is also the Circus Oasis of France and the Carnival Troupe of Belize from Europe.

    From Asia, the Henan Province of China will put up a show at the Carnival. To achieve this, it is sending its acrobatic band to the carnival.

    The Drumming Wonders of Burundi and the Urukerereza of Rwanda as well as carnival bands from Ghana, Zimbabwe and Kenya will lead the charge from Africa.

    From the array of activities on display at Calabar Festival this year, it has become a must for all families and fun lovers.

  • Ethiopian acquires B-777 FFS, B-787 FFS simulator

    Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it has finalized installation of Boeing 777 Flight Simulator manufactured by CAE Inc. ahead of its schedule and is now ready for training. This new B777 Flight Simulator is the fifth full flight simulator acquired, following the B767/B757, B737 NG, Q400 and the latest B787 full flight simulators which went operational back in March. The addition of this new B777 simulator is on par with the airlines Vision to be an aviation leader in Africa and to equip its manpower with the latest and state-of-the-art technology the industry has to offer.

    Ethiopian was also the first in Africa and among the very few worldwide to acquire the B787 simulator. Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Tewolde Gebremariam, said: “HRD (Human Resource Development) is one the four pillars of our Vision 2025, along with Fleet, Infrastructure and Systems; since well trained, adequately experienced and performance focused aviation professionals are the engines of our fast, profitable and sustainable growth agenda. The full sufficiency in pilot training with both full flight simulators and fixed training devices for all airplane models in our service enables us to provide training to our pilots with the latest aviation technology machines. The installation of these machines in our newly built flight operations building reduce travel time to distant places for training and will increase quality time with their family at home base. Our employees are our greatest asset and the main source of our competitive advantages and we will continue to make all required investment in training and Ethiopian Aviation Academy. As Africa’s flagship carrier, Ethiopian has always been and remains aviation technology leader in the continent; we will continue to introduce the latest equipment of full flight simulators with the aim to serve not only the needs of Ethiopian but also dedicated to bridging the aviation skill gap on the continent.”

    With its ongoing plan to modernize and continue on its pioneering role to be a leader in aviation training in Africa, Ethiopian has already prepared the facility to include an A350XWB and B737Max full flight simulators. The pilot training school of Ethiopian Aviation Academy is approved by Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to give world class trainings in commercial Pilot License (CPL), Private Pilot License (PPL) and Multi Pilot License (MPL) trainings using state-of-the-art training simulators and professional instructors.

  • Speaker, stakeholders push for viable sector at NHTIC 2015

    High profile stakeholders in the tourism industry who participated at the 2015 the Nigeria Hotel and  Tourism Investment Conference have charged both government and private sector on more concerted efforts at making the tourism and hospitality sector count in the Nigerian economy.

    At the conference, which held from November 25 to 27 at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, the speakers noted that now is the right time to show more commitment and action at diversifying the Nigerian economy and using tourism as a sure alternative to oil, especially now that the global oil price is falling.

    As expected,  the three-day conference went beyond paper presentation to offering veritable platforms for networking, interaction and exchanges among participants who were eager to learn , discover new trends and also implement resolutions arrived at the conference for the growth of their businesses.

    From the first paper entitled: Macro-Economic Overview, Sam Ohuabunwa, founder, SOFEE, thoroughly explored the country’s economic outlook, giving insight to would-be investors on how to go about their investments across the country and also meeting their expected investment objectives.

    Placing the country against the rest of the world, Ohuabunwa noted that despite the challenges of doing business in the country, Nigeria is still an investment heaven because of the high return on investment.

    However, the picture became clearer when Trevor Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality Group, exposed the growth and investment potential of the Nigerian hotel and tourism market. Ward gave detailed study on the hospitality hot spots, supply gaps and key segments with potential growth which would-be investors should look out for among others.

    Moreover, Ward’s figure-based presentation was more convincing and enlightening as questions that followed later reflected the gray areas that bother must investors.