By Joan Odafe
Wakanow, an African travel technology company says that Nigerian travellers are opting for destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia, instead of the United States as the festive season approaches.
Senior Vice-President, Worldwide Operations, Wakanow, Shola Ipinmoroti, said this at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market (AFTM) on Tuesday in Lagos.
He said that Nigerian travellers were choosing travel destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia, instead of the United States, because they are cheaper and more accessible.
Ipinmoroti said demand for year-end trips, including ‘Detty December’ festivities, were rising but travellers are increasingly choosing affordability and ease of access.
“The U.S is overrated for Nigerian travellers.
“People are finding greater value in destinations that are more accessible and cost-effective,” she said.
She said Wakanow, which operated in 30 countries, was also expanding across Africa and Diaspora markets, including Canada, U.K and Mexico.
She added that the organisation was deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools including chatbots to handle customer support and bookings.
She added that Wakanow was training women and girls in travel entrepreneurship and equipping them with skills, mentorship and start-up incentives.
“We teach people the business of travel and help them scale it into a sustainable income,” she said.
The AFTM, which opened with exhibitions, has featured a culinary competition tagged the ‘Jollof Rice War,’ a B2B session, dance presentations from the Calabar Carnival Festival and Ekpe masqueraders, raffle draws and panels.
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