A leading force in the Nigerian tourism industry, Flyzone Tourism, has officially opened its Lagos centre as part of its plans to expand the company’s scope and deliver greater value to the Nigerian travel ecosystem. Principal Executive Flyzone Tourism Mr. Awomoyi Ayodeji said the move to Lagos is not about competing with travel agencies but to explore untapped opportunities.
Ayodeji, who spoke at an interaction with the media in Lagos, said that Flyzone Tourism has been a trusted partner for travel agencies across the country, processing thousands of eVisas and travel products for over 4,900 agencies. “For over a decade, the company has specialised in creating innovative marketing campaigns for destinations ranging from bustling cities to serene beach resorts and breathtaking national parks, both locally and internationally. This expansion into Lagos is yet another bold step in Flyzone’s journey, fueled by a passion for excellence and a desire to bring new opportunities to the table.
He stressed that Flyzone is not entering Lagos to disrupt the travel agency market but to complement it by exploring untapped opportunities. “We’re targeting a different sector. Nigeria is a vast market with over 200 million people. Even with thousands of travel agencies, there is still room for growth and diversification. Our goal is not to compete but to expand, innovate, and provide value to all stakeholders in the industry,” he added.
Reflecting on the evolution of the travel industry in Nigeria, Mr. Ayodeji noted how the advent of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) revolutionised the way people book flights and travel products. In the early 1990s and 2 000s, Nigerians relied heavily on traditional travel agencies for bookings. However, the rise of OTAs allowed clients to book directly online, bypassing intermediaries. This shift, while significant, did not render traditional travel agencies obsolete. Instead, it underscored their value as problem-solvers and trusted advisors in an increasingly digital world.
“Even today, the role of a travel agent remains crucial. When a client faces issues, it’s often easier to reach out to the travel agent who booked the ticket than to contact an airline, which has its hands full with other operational responsibilities. Travel agencies also benefit from exclusive discounts, creating a win-win situation for everyone. For instance, if we offer a product to a client for N100,000 and a travel agency gets it for N50,000 , the agency still retains its competitive edge. This synergy is vital, and we intend to preserve it while targeting a different segment,” he noted.
The decision to establish a presence in Lagos did not come easy. Mr. Ayodeji explained that Flyzone’s Port Harcourt office has been very efficient and served primarily as a back-end operation focused on processing requests and managing travel agency partnerships. The new Lagos office represents a shift toward more direct engagement with the market, enabling Flyzone to foster closer relationships with clients and partners.
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According to him, the reason many visa applicants are denied visas is due to a lack of knowledge of the destination they intend to visit. He, therefore, recommended that travellers thoroughly research their desired destination to enable them to confidently navigate embassy interviews.
“Port Harcourt allowed us to concentrate on back-end operations, but Lagos offers something different, which is a chance to engage directly with the industry and its stakeholders. In Port Harcourt, we rarely had visitors to our office because everything was handled online. While this model worked well, we realised over time that we were losing opportunities to connect with travel agencies face-to-face. Lagos changes that. It brings us closer to the action and allows us to build stronger relationships,” he said.
The Lagos office also places Flyzone in closer proximity to critical visa centres and other travel-related infrastructure. This strategic location enhances the company’s ability to serve both travel agencies and individual clients more efficiently. “For example, the UK visa centre and the South Africa visa centre were initially based in Port Harcourt but have since relocated. Being in Lagos allows us to respond quickly to changes like these and remain accessible to our partners and clients,” he explained.
Flyzone Tourism presence in Lagos also underscores its dedication to bridging the gap between traditional and modern travel services. While the online community continues to grow, he acknowledged that many Nigerians still value face-to-face interactions. “People’s past experiences shape their preferences. Some still feel more comfortable visiting an office or meeting someone in person before entrusting their travel plans to them. By establishing a physical presence in Lagos, we are meeting people where they are and offering them the best of both world such as online convenience and personal connection,” he added.
Making a call to action for travel agencies and potential clients alike, Mr. Ayodeji urged tourism stakeholders to explore what Flyzone has to offer and assured them of the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence. “We are here to make a difference. Whether you are a travel agency looking for a reliable partner or an individual seeking top-notch travel services, Flyzone is here for you. Together, we can create unforgettable journeys and open new doors for Nigerian tourism,” he assured.
He, however, decried the deplorable state of some tourist sites across the country, urging the Federal Government to consider concession to private operators for proper management. He called on federal and state governments to improve tourism destination management to attract tourists, noting that for a destination to be considered viable, it must possess certain essential qualities.He said these qualities included being visually appealing, easily accessible, and offering amenities such as accommodation, activities, as well as other attractions.
