One of Nigeria’s indigenous travel management companies, Finchglow Travels, has held the 4th edition of its Trade Partner’s Forum in Lagos.

Focused on the theme, ‘Global Mindset’, the forum was organised in a bid to help trade partners improve their processes, and familiarise themselves with incoming technology and new information in the travel industry ahead of 2020.

To grace the event and also educate trade partners on the new trends in the industry, representatives from Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Amadeus and Finchglow Holidays were in attendance.

Speaking on the purpose of the event, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Finchglow Group (GCOO), Mr. Ezekiel Ikotun, noted that “the essence of this forum is to birth newness and action in our businesses.”

He said that the company believes in collective growth and that is why it has remained committed to this forum.

“Having been in the industry for over 13 years, we have experienced the best and the worst, hence we have decided as an organisation to change the narrative by consciously working with others and adding value to the industry in order to drive sustainability.”

While also urging trade partners to diversify in their businesses, Mr. Ikotun mentioned that figures released by the World Maritime News (2019) have revealed that one of the biggest growing niche markets is the cruise business, which had over 28.5 million passengers in 2018, with a year-on-year growth of 9 percent.

He added that, according to Deloitte’s 2019 Travel and Hospitality Outlook, from 2009 to 2018, the number of open positions in the leisure, hospitality and travel sector grew tremendously, from 353,000 to 1,139,000, which strengthens the need to diversify.

“The key subject matter in the travel industry right now is ‘change’, with travelers leading a big push to move away from the norm, embracing new technologies and new types of travel. The ability to adapt, deliver excellent services and remain open to new technologies is crucial to being the best,” he said.

To celebrate the event, Finchglow Travels rewarded its top 10 trade partners with tickets to Turkey, courtesy of Turkish Airlines.

While presenting the recognition awards to the recipients, the Managing Director Finchglow Travels, who is also the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA); Mr. Bankole Bernard said: “We can all stand, but standing alone leaves you in isolation.

“We are glad to be working with you and we appreciate your contribution to our businesses. I want to use this opportunity to implore you to ensure that you continue to deliver quality and excellence in your business.”

•PHOTO: Ezekiel Ikotun, the Group Chief Operating Officer, Finchglow Group, flanked by representatives from Turkish Airlines