By Ogunfowoke, Adeniyi Ayuba
SAT, MARCH 23 2019-theG&BJournal-The aviation sector is key to the growth of the tourism and hospitality industry as over 57% of international tourists now travel by air. It is, therefore, not a surprise that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) recently said that air transport contributed $8.2 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
This figure will no doubt increase astronomically if Nigeria’s aviation sector can be repositioned for better service delivery. However, before this can be achieved, there are certain challenges that need to be addressed.
The first point of call for any international tourist is the airport. Hence, it has to offer first class services right from the point of entry. Nobody wants to visit a place where they will be harassed by the airport, customs or immigration officials like it is the case in some Nigerian airports.
A smart and tech solution to largely bypass some of these officials in the interim is for you to book your flight with Jumia’s hotel and flight services arm, Jumia Travel and ensure that you check-in early.
Jumia Travel has simplified the task by enabling you to search domestic and international flights offered by major airlines in Africa at the cheapest price. You can also find and compare flights, book/buy flights and buy air tickets online with ease using Jumia Travel.
This will not only save you a lot of time but will also ensure that you get through security quicker without too many hassles at the airport.
Unequivocally, the aviation sector is capital intensive. To run an airline, you need millions if not billions of dollars in your coffers. As such, quite a number of local airlines with huge potentials have gone under.
Beyond refurbishing the airport, airlines especially the local ones have to partner. The truth is only a handful of airlines can survive without partnership. On the government’s part, they need to consider granting the airlines’ tax breaks.
Ultimately, this partnership will reduce airfares thus encouraging more Nigerians to travel. This automatically means that the hospitality/travel business will be smiling to the bank.
Ogunfowoke, Adeniyi Ayuba| PR Associate | Jumia Travel & Food
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