Commitment to showcasing the beauty of Africa through hospitality and tourism education drives us –Chimezie Mike

Tourism Afrikania is one of the leading tourism brands in Nigeria born out of passion for promoting Africa’s rich cultural heritage and potential through education.

At the helm of affairs is Chimezie Mike, a graduate of Tourism and Hospitality Management from the prestigious University of Port Harcourt with years of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry whose commitment to showcasing the beauty of Africa has been a driving force to remain relevant in the tourism industry.

“Our commitment to showcasing the beauty and potential of Africa drives us. The belief that tourism can transform communities by providing jobs, preserving culture, and promoting sustainability keeps us motivated” he says.

His passion for promoting Africa’s rich cultural heritage through education thereby creating a nexus between tourism, culture and education which will drive business solutions.

“Tourism Afrikania was born from my passion for promoting Africa’s rich cultural heritage, particularly Nigeria’s tourism potential through Education,” he says.

Adding that “The idea came from a desire to create a nexus where tourism, culture, and education converge to drive Business Solutions through academic researches, uplift local communities and transform perceptions of Africa as a global tourism destination”

Tourism Afrikania offers a variety of services, including organizing domestic and international tours, tourism education and certification programs, hotel and tourism employee training and event planning, consultancy services for tourism and hospitality businesses, assisting them with market research, brand promotion, and development strategies. Their African Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit and Quiz Championship are designed to enhance capacity building in the sector. Additionally, they run students and new tourism entrepreneurs mentorship community, TA Dietary Shawarma and Grills, a food service brand that celebrates African cuisine.

Since its establishment, Tourism Afrikania has played a vital role in upskilling young professionals in the tourism sector, increased visibility for lesser-known destinations in Nigeria, and promoting domestic tourism among others.

“Since its inception, Tourism Afrikania has played a pivotal role in reshaping the perception of Nigeria’s tourism sector. Our educational programs have contributed to upskilling young professionals, while our advocacy for sustainable tourism has influenced policy discussions. By promoting domestic tourism and creating partnerships with international organizations, we have helped increase tourism traffic and visibility for lesser-known Nigerian destinations. Our events and summits have provided platforms for stakeholders to collaborate and exchange ideas, fostering growth in the industry”, Chimezie says.

According to him, the major challenges bedevilling the tourism sector in Nigeria include poor infrastructure, insecurity, inconsistent government policies and inadequate funding. “These obstacles often make it difficult to develop tourism destinations and deliver world-class experiences to visitors. However, we’ve adapted by focusing more on education, advocacy, and offering packages that align with current realities” he adds.

He envisions Tourism Afrikania becoming a key player in global tourism discussions. We aim to expand our educational programs internationally, influence tourism policy in Africa, and become a leading promoter of African tourism destinations worldwide.

Angel Style World Travels and Tours Ltd: Promoting Nigeria’s hidden gems

Angel Style World Travels and Tours Ltd. is a leading Travel and Tour Company in Nigeria, specializing in crafting bespoke itineraries and family trips. They have been providing exceptional travel solutions to its leisure and corporate clients for over two decades and prides itself on its commitment to customer satisfaction, ensuring travellers are delighted enough to recommend their services to their network. The company’s vision is to curate unique, seamless, and value-for-money experiences that create lasting memories.

Angel Style focuses on promoting and showcasing Nigeria’s hidden gems, particularly in Kwara State the ‘State of Harmony’ This dedication to domestic tourism saw them receive the 2020 Balearica award for Best Domestic Tour Operator in Nigeria.

Mrs Faridah Sagaya the CEO of Angel Style is the Kwara State Coordinator of Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, Treasurer of SKAL International Club Lagos, the most important global network in the Travel and Tourism Industry connecting Travel and Tourism professionals and African Tourism Board brand Ambassador for Nigeria.

She recognizes the tourism sector’s potential to transform Nigeria’s economy and looks forward to a future where all stakeholders collaborate to drive a vibrant and impactful tourism sector. However, she acknowledges to achieve this potential requires addressing various challenges, such as:
● Visibility and Marketing: Enhanced destination marketing to increase awareness of Nigeria’s tourist attractions in the global market. She recommends leveraging digital platforms, increased participation in international travel events, and collaborating with celebrities and influencers to boost visibility.

● Infrastructure: Better roads, reliable transportation (developing a wider rail network), and affordable accommodation options. This is crucial for attracting a wider range of tourists, including budget travellers and younger demographics.

● Professionalism and Service Standards: Upskilling the workforce in the tourism and hospitality sectors to meet international standards and enhance customer service delivery. She also believes that training programs for tour guides, customer service personnel, airport taxis and other tourism professionals are essential for curating quality experiences. Introduce Tourism studies to Secondary Schools, for students to develop practical/entrepreneurship skills they require in the workplace when they complete their studies.

● Security: Addressing security concerns is paramount for attracting tourists and encouraging repeat visits.

● Government Participation and Funding: An increase in Government participation in developing and marketing tourist destinations and providing funding opportunities for tourism projects.

●Community Engagement: The importance of involving local communities in tourism development and management. This includes promoting responsible tourism practices and ensuring locals benefit from tourism activities.

Looking ahead, Angel Style World Travels and Tours Ltd. is working hard to establish itself as the go-to tour specialist for inbound tourists seeking authentic Nigerian experiences. They envision a future where Nigeria’s rich culture, history, and diverse landscapes attract a global audience, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.