The travel and tourism industry plays a major role in Nigeria’s economic development. In this interview with BusinessDay, IFEANYI EZEOKOLI, the MD/CEO, Incel Holidays & Tourism Limited, highlights the innovative ways Incel Holidays is redefining the tourism industry in Nigeria. Excerpts:
The tourism sector, to a very large extent, gives the state of health of the country. How has your experience been in Nigeria’s tourism sector, especially in the last 2 years?
The last two years have been both challenging and inspiring. On the challenging side, we have had to deal with rising costs in the industry from flights, visas, and even processing our local passports due to the exchange rates. I would also add that there are also infrastructure gaps and global travel restrictions that have reshaped customer expectations. Some years ago, you could travel to Dubai with N500,000 with flight, hotel, and visa inclusive; now N500,000 can barely cover return flights even to neighbouring Ghana.
But on the positive side, there has been a strong shift in interest towards other international destinations, including our very own domestic tourism. More Nigerians are realising that they don’t always have to go abroad to enjoy rich culture, scenery, and relaxation. Taking a cue from the last “Detty December” in Lagos, seeing how Nigerians and foreigners trooped into Lagos to enjoy the excitement Lagos has to offer. That shift has kept the sector alive and given us hope for bigger opportunities ahead. Besides Lagos, we should remember Calabar Carnival, Obudu Resort, Ikogosi, and other interesting places within Nigeria.
More Nigerians are realising they don’t always have to go abroad to enjoy rich culture, scenery, and relaxation-Ezeokoli
What unique features stand your firm out in the nation’s holiday and tourism sector?
At Incel Holidays & Tourism Limited, we offer more than just travel planning. We provide complete solutions for our clients – end-to-end travel service, which includes affordable flights, smooth visa processing, hotel bookings, transfers, corporate travels, airport protocols, and guided tours. We have holiday packages designed to be fun-filled and convenient. Also, on request, we create bespoke holiday packages so our customers can focus on enjoying their trip while we take care of everything else. This ability to simplify travel for individuals, families, and corporate clients has helped us gain the trust of our customers over the years.
There are so many players in Nigeria’s tourism industry. How does your firm handle competition and disruptions in the industry?
Travel and tourism in Nigeria is a highly competitive space. However, we don’t approach it with fear. Instead, it pushes us to be innovative, go the extra mile to satisfy our customers while staying flexible.
When challenges come up — like changes in exchange rates, flight cancellations, or new rules — we adjust quickly. We negotiate new deals, look for new destinations, and keep open communication with our clients. This ability to adapt, along with our personal touch, helps us succeed in a very competitive industry.
The new government policies concerning exchange rates and subsidy removal created opportunities and new challenges. Could you please share your experience on how your firm tapped the opportunities and addressed the new challenges?
The policies definitely raised travel costs, but they also pushed us to think smarter. We leveraged stronger partnerships with airlines, other agencies, travel vendors, and hotel groups to secure discounted deals. We also expanded our domestic travel options, encouraging Nigerians to visit and see places in Nigeria. We have invested in reaching more customers around the world, using our Dubai branch as a key example. We are also using digital tools to provide our clients with more flexible payment options. While we faced challenges, these also gave us the opportunity to diversify and innovate.
Read also: Nigeria can exceed $5bn GDP target through tourism – Experts
Nigeria will be 65 years old on October 1st. What message do you have for the country’s leaders at the federal and state levels?
At 65, Nigeria has much to celebrate, but we also need to look forward. I want our leaders to understand that tourism can be an integral part of our economy if we focus on it. Investing in infrastructure, safety, and promoting our destinations will attract foreign visitors and encourage Nigerians to explore their own country. If the government and private sector collaborate effectively, tourism can create as many jobs and contribute to the nations GDP as much as the oil and gas industry in the next ten years.
The Yuletide season is almost here and it is the time of the year customers expect a unique experience. Any special packages in the pipeline for your current and prospective clients?
Yes, this Christmas we have put together packages that give our clients something truly memorable. For those who want to explore closer to home, we are running a 7-DAY CHRISTMAS ADVENTURE ACROSS FOUR WEST AFRICAN CITIES, COTONOU, OUIDAH, LOMÉ, AND ACCRA.
It is a mix of history, culture, and fun, with stops at places like the Amazon Statue in the Republic of Benin, Casa del Papa resort, a Lomé boat cruise, and Accra’s Kwame Nkrumah Park. It promises to be a thrilling and relaxed road trip in a comfortable air-conditioned bus. The tour runs from 22nd – 28th December, 2025. This special offer allows clients to deposit only 30% by 15th October, and the balance due by 25th November, 2025.
For travellers looking further abroad, we have created a Singapore package that covers four nights of sightseeing, including Merlion Park, the famous Cable Car ride, and a guided tour of Scentopia. Everything from the visa to airport transfers and hotels will be handled by us thus making the trip stress-free. This valid from 1st September 2025 to 20th January 2026.
And for sports fans, December is extra special because of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco from Dec 21 to 31, 2025. Our Package takes you to three live Super Eagles matches, with 10 nights’ accommodation, tours, visa support with flights included.
Our Christmas package this year is different from the norm, as there are options that fit different target markets in the travel space. For those looking for a ONE-STOP travel partner this Yuletide season, Incel Tourism offers you everything from visa assistance and processing to flight tickets, hotel bookings and airport transfers. Our end-to-end solutions make your travel easy and stress-free. For bookings and further enquiries Call/WhatsApp 09113218885, 09113218886 or mail [email protected]
What is the outlook for the holiday and tourism sector in Nigeria?
The future is definitely bright for Nigeria’s tourism industry. Nigerians love to travel and experience new things. Aside from wanting to “JAPA”, more people are looking to build their travel history for either tourism or relocation to study or work. The Nigeria travel space has better online booking options and greater awareness of local attractions; the tourism sector is growing. If the government invests in the travel and tour industry and collaborates with private businesses, Nigeria’s tourism industry can become one of the strongest in Africa in the coming years.
