By Taiye Olayemi
Wakanow Group, a travel agency, on Monday in Lagos bagged the ‘Travellers Award’ as the best outbound travel agency in Nigeria, at the ongoing 19th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism,
Also, Anago Osho, Chief Executive Officer of Anago Osho Adventures won the best inbound tour operator in Nigeria.
Mr Ikechi Uko, organiser of AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, said the award was to recognise and commend individuals as well as organisations promoting tourism and travel businesses across Africa.
Uko said Wakanow’s commitment to promoting outbound travels in Nigeria was well recognised and commendable, as well as Osho’s unwavering commitment toward promotimg inbound tours.
Other recipients of the awards are D&P Travels and Tours, as best outbound tour operator and Ebuking Tours as the best domestic tour operator in Nigeria among others.
Also, Mr Awomoyi Ayodeji of Flyzone Tourism won the travel personality of the year 2023.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the event, Osho expressed excitement over the awards.
He said this would spur him to work harder to project Nigeria more as a choice destination to visit.
“I feel honoured with this award and it is the first of its kind in Nigeria. Earlier this year, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) gave me a similar award as the best Inbound Tour Operator in Nigeria.
“My award as the best Inbound Tour Operator in Nigeria here in AKWAABA means that someone or a group of people noticed the hardwork I put in the promotion of Nigeria as a tourist destination.
“It is about dedication, intergrity, patience and consistency.
“The award is a motivation to do more and this serves as a testimony that the tourism potential of Nigeria can be harnessed, standardised, promoted and equalled to the best in the world,” he said.
Osho advised upcoming tour operators in Nigeria to work on carving a niche for themselves in the tourism space and identify with a mentor who would further put them through.
He said they must be creative, consistent, patient and uphold intergrity.
“The major characteristics of Anago Osho are intergrity, creative tourism and the ability to identify and satisfy the interests of the tourists or visitors.
“I am an ambassador of the country and continent and that comes first in all my transactions and relationships. This is embedded in my works.
“In as much as the finance is important, my priorities are the proffessionalism I exhibit and absolute satisfaction of my clients,” he said.
Another award recipient, Ayodeji of Flyzone Tourism, commended the organisers for the initiative.
He promised to train more willing travel agents and tour operators in the country. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran
Published by
