The Travel and Tourist industry experienced numerous losses at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The pandemic brought a new wave of change to the way things are being done in the industry.
Many of the staff loss their job, and those being luckily retained could not get complete wages from March to July 2020.
Some of the companies in the travel and hospitality industry is still downsizing in Nigeria due to the outbreak.
Ticket sales and Tour packages went down significantly, making it difficult to meet up the bio monthly obligation to IATA during 2020.
The travel & tourism industry was one of the world’s greatest market until the Covid 19 pandemic, hit the global economy.
It is quiet clear that traveling is the most entertaining way to meet strangers, and explore new places, if the route is free of illness,crime and catastrophes.
During the COVID 19 pandemic, worldwide travel traffic came to a standstill, because many countries prohibit foreigners from entering the country, and close the external borders.
It is not possible to estimate the extent of the economic impact of the pandemic outbreak, because the course and duration of the outbreak are still unknown and cannot be predicted.
Since the quarantine introduction to the world, millions of jobs in the global tourism sector, were lost due to flight, hotel and event cancellations.
The pandemic affected the industry of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and exhibitions(MICE), which mostly contributed to the global economic growth. It is however noteworthy to state that the global economy and tourism industry, has experienced similar significant event in the past , whether it’s flu pandemic, political instability, in the country or economic recession.
The Director and Head of operations of Competent Travel Mate Limited, Abuja, Oluwaseun Ajayi- Kehlz, popularly known as Travellord, while speaking to Newsday reporter said the Travel and Tour industry is bouncing back now globally from the outbreak.
According to him, the recent border reopening across the globe is attracting more travellers again.
“It has become such a normal part of life to travel , we just have to go back to it. Most of young people in particular loves to travel in Nigeria, spending their money not on housing or cars but on their next trip. Sometimes you will see some people saying their hobby is travelling and exploring. Moreover every traveler becomes bored after a period of not travelling, and their productivity drops when they cannot explore.”
” I am very sure that we are bouncing back, but gradually maybe by 2023, we would fully be back from the outbreak.
I could recall that Airbnb company director, recently said his organization surpassed over 50million booking, in a month globally, since March 2020.”
The Head of operations of Competent Travelmate, also explained that the travel and tourism industry is no longer stranger to economic downturn, and adversity surrounding each events.
“While many of the threats have significantly affected us in the past, history has shown that the travel and tourism industry have always been resilient, and is excellently bouncing back to his glory soon.
It is true that all travel industry felt the effect of the pandemic, including airlines, hotels resorts , cruise lines and travel consultants. It is significantly a tough time, for travel and tourism industry as a whole, but I am so confident there is silver lining ahead.”
In addition, he said many travellers are now seeking ways to avoid the spread of COVID-19, and yet engage in what they love doing.
” The next option for every Tourist is serviced Apartment, over hotel, because they are more spacious as opposed to the hotel rooms. They offer more privacy and they are more cost-effective, as there are no hidden cost in bookings unlike hotel rooms.”
The Head of operations, added that as part of measures of finding way out around travel and hospitality industry, Competent Travel Mate Ltd, introduced two powerful products .
Staykweek, and School Of International Intelligence Studies Program (SIIS).
“The Staykweek – a platform that allows exploring locally with memorable experience. The product site is “www.staykweek.com” , and the School Of International Intelligence Studies Program, (SIIS) a platform that expose everyone to International recognition either through studies or trade business.”
“Nigerians have been through a lot in 2020 most especially the youths, from loss of job to school closure, and End Sars protest, that left many Nigerians in a long term devastated mood. We flag those two product -Staykweek & School Of International Intelligence Studies Program (SIIS), to bring hope for the youths, and also attract International recognition through exclusive destinations places to visit in Nigeria for private tour experience.” “I am so glad today not only because I added another year to my age, but the values I contributed to the nation through tourism promotion and International exposure given to Nigerians through the visa support study programs.”
He noted that the Staykweek design is for traveler or people who are tired of daily routine, and eager to reconnect to who and what matter most to them.You can have a getaway within your locality through the platform.
While School of International Intelligence Studies (SIIS), platform is designed to expose everyone to International trade business and study programs to build their career.
While speaking on the benefit of School of International Intelligence Studies to tourist( SIIS), he said trading can be done without travelling far with the support of
logistics connection across the globe.
He emphasized that the platform is also for those intending to study or relocate abroad.
“We have partnered with several International schools and logistics company to ease the burden of travel. The platform is there to assist different categories of people who wants to travel.
The hospitality sector in Nigeria and abroad are now benefiting more through the serviced accommodations, office space, and event planning within the locality”.
