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Jun02

Lagos sensitises officers to community-based tourism

Tourism 0 comments

The Lagos State Government has sensitised tourism officers and stakeholders to Community Based Tourism in order for residents to experience the best of the sector.

The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ workshop themed, ‘Importance and benefits of CBT,’ held in Alausa, Ikeja.

She said, “Community Based Tourism is part of what was presented in our master plan last year and we are deliberate about this, because unless we look inwards and harness all the potentials around tourism within our local areas, we will not attain much. That is the reason we got the approval of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to launch CBT in six Local Government Areas of the state.

“We have established this training in all the divisions of the state such as Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos Island and Eti-Osa, to enlighten the stakeholders, tourism officers, the communities and members of the Local Government Service Commission so they can share in our vision and understand what we seek to achieve and that is to give Lagosians the best of tourism.”

The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Adenike Adedoyin-Ajayi, urged stakeholders to promote traditional culture and heritage, saying this would boost the tourism sector.

“Every one of us here should become advocates for Lagos State tourism and to this end, we are to develop local contents that will promote the sector as laid down in our master plan through preservation of our culture, showcasing our heritage, and promoting our traditions through films, festivals and entertainment. We should stop emphasising the negatives about ourselves and present the positives,” she said.

Credit: PunchNG

Jun02

Heritage tourism generates revenue for states -Activist

Tourism 0 comments

The Chief Executive Officer of Save Our Heritage Initiative and culture advocate, Ms May Ikokwu, on Monday, reinforced the need for the preservation of heritage buildings and monuments in Nigeria.

Ikokwu made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on the occasion of the 2022 World Heritage Day.

World Heritage Day or International Day for Monuments and Sites is celebrated annually on April 18 around the world, set to promote awareness of local communities and people about the diversity of cultural heritage, their vulnerability and ways of promoting and preserving them.

Ikowu explained that the preservation of heritage buildings and monuments were vital components of urban revitalisation and the economy, as they also happened to be a legit avenue for boosting internally generated revenue for the country.

“Heritage tourism is often rooted in historic buildings which generate revenue for the state or country like the Egyptian pyramids,” she said.

Ikokwu said that these powerful, tangible connections to our past were the ways in which people today would come in touch with the past.

According to her, heritage buildings were also increasingly accepted as important venues linking a new generation with an older one and therefore served as places for education and citizenship.

She explained that tourism would require more than a few monuments and buildings scattered all over the country.

“Other activities have to be planned around the locations to make them interesting because of their importance for historical records,” she said.

Ikokwu who re-emphasised the imperatives of preserving heritage buildings and monuments said it had the potential to revitalize old neighbourhoods, the buildings and the landscape, adding that such sites could engender improved quality of life, thereby maintaining community cohesion and unity.

She called on governments at all levels to begin to preserve heritage buildings and monuments aimed at keeping people, especially older persons, active and involved in their community.

“Some of the most significant benefits from the conservation of heritage buildings are related to economic issues.

“There would be tremendous growth in employment in the restoration industry in construction trades, professionals and product manufacturing.

”Enhanced municipal tax base through restored individual buildings and areas is also one of the greatest benefits with increased tourism,” she stated.

Ikokwu said that the preservation of heritage buildings would promote restoration – often cheaper than new constructions.

She thus stressed the essence for economic sustainability through the conservation of heritage buildings as often predicated on their economic sustainability, as well as for maintenance of such heritage buildings and monuments for the creation of more grassroot employment opportunities.

The activist identified some of the heritage buildings in Nigeria as: Mary Slessor House, Calabar; National War Museum, Abia; and First Storey Building in Nigeria, located in Badagry.

Others listed included: Gobirau Minaret, Katsina; Ancient Nok Settlement, Kaduna; Oba of Benin Palace, Edo; Ancient Kano City Walls, and Sungbo Eredo, Ogun.

Ikokwu also mentioned First Presbyterian Church, Calabar, and National Museum, Benin City – which contains priceless relics from the ancient Benin Kingdom, and others from elsewhere in Nigeria as important heritage buildings for national development and integration.

Credit: PunchNG

Jun02

Indian biker, Deepak Kamath, applauds Nigeria’s hospitality

Travel 0 comments

A renowned world biker, Deepak Kamath, aka Armstrong a motorcyclist, who has travelled across all seven continents was hosted in Lagos by the Office of the High Commission of India, on Saturday, March 26, 2022.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as Kamath, who is currently on a motorcycle adventure ride across Africa (Southern and West African corridor), shared key insights about his journey, his past and his records.

In his speech at the event, the Head of Chancery, Rachi Rawat, said, “This evening is about celebrating an individual’s remarkable achievements and his ongoing long-distance motorbike journey through a large number of African countries.

He is the first Indian to have covered all the seven continents of the world on a motorbike. We also celebrate the warmth and hospitality extended to him in Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where he has chosen to stay the longest.”

Asked about his experience in Nigeria, Kamath said, “I have spent 10 days (in Nigeria) as of this moment. Nigerian people have been really nice to me. I am not talking about the Indian community that I am around. Whenever I go out, immediately Nigerians see my motorcycle, they say ‘welcome’.”

Questioning the negative perception tourists have about Africa, the biker said, “I am not sure why whenever people talk about Africa, they speak about dangerous experiences, including getting robbed. As I crossed the border, people told me it was dangerous. But, I have experienced such warmth and welcoming hospitality by these people. I find it difficult to understand why people describe Africa as being treacherous and dangerous. It’s not that way at all. Or, is it that I have been lucky? No, I don’t think so. I am doing the same thing other people perceive to be dangerous. I have really enjoyed my travel, right from when I left South Africa on November 29, 2021. It has been a fabulous journey. I have enjoyed my travels around these (African) countries.”

Asked to advise young people who may want to follow his path, Kamath said, “Age is just a number, so don’t be deceived by the loss of my hair and white beard. One should be disciplined. We all should get away from the comfort of our homes and explore this big and beautiful world. There are so many countries with beautiful landscapes, rich cultures and food. For the young ones, please make sure you get your focus right.”

Credit: PunchNG

May15

Planning A Trip In An Organized Manner

Travel 0 comments

To plan a holiday has become a rare event just because of our busy business schedules, these days. However, the best part of this era is that most of the people are aware of the benefits of different activities whether it is conducting an online meeting or arranging a holiday trip. This is the reason, which is why you will notice a lot of people, who prefer to organize even a one-day holiday trip within their capacity. For example, if the individual is a happy, proud father then he will love to take his kids to a zoo whereas when he is acting as a supervisor, then he will know the importance of arranging an official trip for his employees to refresh their minds.

You will be amazed to know that different researches have been conducted to find out the impact of recreational activities on the human mind. The most amazing thing is that according to all researches, the productivity of every individual can be enhanced if his or her mind will be fresh and the best way to make mind fresh is to organize trips whether it is a one-day trip or more than that.

It is a fact that planning a day trip is straightforward and easy. You just have to select few things including the place to visit, budget, means of transportation to reach the destination, etc. However, if you are planning for more than a day trip, then your planning should be detailed. Keep in mind that the cost of travelling, food, and accommodation is increasing day by day. Thus, a step by step planning is an essential thing to focus on. Here are few things, which you should keep in mind while planning a holiday. The details are as follows:

Prepare Checklist

First of all, make the list based on the type of trip you are planning to organize. If you are planning a trip with your employees, then you will be responsible for each and everything for a holiday. However, in the case of organizing a family trip, you can ask someone from your family members to help you in arranging your holiday trip.

Keep in mind that preparing checklist will serve you in two ways. Firstly, you will be able to find the budget that will be required to have an enjoyable trip. Secondly, you will be able to plan your journey in a systematic manner, and with this approach, you will not forget anything.

Select The Holiday Destination

Choose the destination, which falls within your budget. Do not ignore the preferences of the other travelers. The best approach is to ask them what kind of place they want to visit and offer them different choices, which lie within your budget so that they can select the one based on their preferences. To make your holiday within budget, you can also consider buying travel deals. These days, many specialists are offering travel deals for people having different budget brackets. These travel deals not only include best accommodation deals but also provides various bed and breakfast deals.

Make Reservations

Try to make all kinds of reservations before time. Keep in mind that these reservations include not only flight reservations but also the hotel’s bookings. Do not worry, as now you can book discount hotel rooms via online hotel booking system. The best part is that finding discounts on hotel booking is not that difficult, as nowadays everything is available online.

Pack Your Luggage

Once everything is done, then the next step will be to inform everyone so that they can start packing their luggage for their holiday trip.

Book your next holiday accommodation plan now and you will surely love the experience.

Courtesy: Hammad H Sheikh

May15

Great Tips To Make Your Dream Vacation

Travel, Vacation 0 comments

You are planning a vacation and feel a bit nervous about how will you spend your precious holidays? Best answer is: Active Holidays. Excursions, marvelous Tours and day trips are exciting and a great way to fulfill your vacation schedule. Different activities which include exploring hidden paths of ancient ruins and wrecks, or maybe adrenalin adventures such as zipline or snorkeling in a blue lagoon could offer you dream time. If you see yourself as an adventurer and you love exploring amazing places, then private tours in small groups may be something interesting for you. The private guided tours can be just a sightseeing or active excursions and active and full adrenalin day trips like canoeing, rafting, zip-line and more. Weather you like water sports, hiking, rock climbing or easy walk in a forest with delicious lunch at the end. We should all agree that active holidays are the right solution for you.

Choosing a tour domain shouldn’t be your main factor. Other important factors are tour length since tours and excursions can be full-day and half-day long. Depending on your physical shape, you must decide how long you want to be on a trip. Private tours are always flexible and they are no time framed, but there is always a difference between half and full day excursion. Even tough all tours represent active holidays, some tours include lots of actions and your occupation in something.

Tip A – Travel agents will suggest you the best excursions, and present you the most important highlights of the tours. Still, be sure that you will read all descriptions about the trip you are looking for, and prepare yourself. It increases your know – how and quality time spent during the tour. You will pay for it, so at least read and learn what you are paying for.

Tip B – Be physically and mentally strong for the upcoming activities on the tour. Some tours can be really hard to handle with. Hot and burning sun, wet climates and extremely tough areas can make you trouble on a tour. It is important that you select a tour that you can handle physically.

Tip C – Your budget should be a really important factor, but definitely not the most important. It is always tricky to decide how much is something worth. Unwritten rule is: better to pay more than to calculate and let someone rule your vacation.

Tip D – Simply enjoy and memory everything. We are living for moments, try to capture them. Don’t ruin a perfect moment with unnecessary selfie or stupid move which can eventually hurt you.

Courtesy: Mario B.

Aug18

‘We’re Redefining Hospitality Business’

Interviews 0 comments

The tourism/hospitality sector is a potential goldmine and can contribute immensely to the present administration’s on-going economic diversification programme. But the Federal Government will have to tap into it and build first class hospitality businesses close to tourist sites and also address the challenges facing operators, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of i-MAX Guest House & Suits, Prince Madugba Raphael Chiadikobi, has said.

He spoke to reporters in Lagos during the week at the opening of i-MAX Guest House & Suits, a 33-room five star hotel located in the serene, highbrow Apapa GRA area of Lagos.

Chiadikobi, who is an industrialist and ex-banker, said the result of a feasibility study by a firm commissioned by his company showed that tourism/hospitality business in Lagos alone can rake in over $3 billion annually, if government can fix the energy sector and address the security challenge in the country.

He said, for instance, that unlike other sectors, the hospitality industry is the most adversely affected by the crisis in the energy sector. “It (energy crisis) affects us more than any other sector. In the banking sector, their generators will be on from probably 7 o’clock till 10 o’clock and they power down.

“The Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) operate with solar. But the hospitality business is 24/7. You don’t power down. Even if it is one guest you have, he expects you to put on the light for him and he is right, because you have already told him that you have 24-hour electricity supply,” he stated.

Chiadikobi also pointed out that insecurity posed a major challenge for operators. While noting that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is making progress in the area of security. He said: “There is no business that can thrive when there is crisis. The moment you are able to completely sort out the issue of security, more people will have the confidence to invest.”

He said despite the challenges, the new hotel, which is a division of International Maximum Resources & Chemical Industries Limited, has come to redefine hospitality business through quality, cost-effective service delivery.

Conducting newsmen round the expansive facility, he said the hotel is categorised into Royal Apartments, Executive Rooms, Standard Rooms and Presidential Suites, all tastefully furnished and tailored the meet the needs of different categories of clients.

“Our rooms are very fantastic, expansive and affordable; we did not economise space. Our neighbours here our standard room is their big room; they charge N15, 000 per night while we charge an introductory price of N7, 000 for the same room size. The one they take between N15, 000 and N20, 000 we take N10, 000,” he said.

The hotelier added that apart from nine metres-deep swimming pool to add to customers’ comfort, the hotel also offers special local delicacies on weekends. He said these have ensured a steady stream of customers since February 14 this year when the hotel started a test run of its facilities.

He said the hotel, with its unique propositions, is poised to drive hospitality busniess especially in Lagos where the opportunities are huge.

The hotelier said, for instance, that as big as Apapa is, the only five star hotel there is Rockview. “As I talk with you, after Rockview we are next to them. This is not our own assessment, but of people who who have been dealing with them that came here within two months of our test run,” he said.

Chiadikobi added that because of the positive response the hotel has been getting, it plans to build an additional hotel in Lagos in the next five years. “The business is here,” he declared.

Published In August On Nation Online

Read Online: http://thenationonlineng.net/redefining-hospitality-business/

Aug18

‘Lagos Hospitality Sector Can Generate $3b Yearly’

Interviews 0 comments

The hospitality industry in Lagos State can generate over $3 billion yearly if the government addresses the security and infrastructure challenges facing the sector, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, International Maximum Resources & Chemical Industries Limited, Prince Madugba Raphael, has said.

He said a feasibility study by a firm commissioned by his company showed that tourism/hospitality business in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, is very lucrative, adding that Lagos alone is capable of earning over $3 billion yearly, if the government can fix the energy sector.

Madugba said unlike other sectors, the hospitality industry is the most adversely affected by the crisis in the energy sector. “It (energy crisis) affects us more than any other sector. In the banking sector, their generators will be on from probably 7 o’clock till 10 o’clock and they power down.

“The ATMs (automated teller machines) operate with solar. But the hospitality business is 24/7 run on electricity. You don’t power down. Even if it is one guest you have, he expects you to put on the generator for him and he is right, because you have already told him that you have 24-hour electricity supply. So, it’s affecting the industry in every area; it affects profit margin because of the cost implication,” he said.

He said because of the crippling effects of high cost of operations due to lack of electricity, hotel owners have been forced to adjust. “Sooner or later most of us, who claim that we will give you light 24/7, will have to adjust because it’s difficult to survive in a situation where you buy diesel at N180 per litre,” he said, noting that 50 litres, which probably cost N6, 000 before now go for as high as N9, 000.

“It’s difficult to do business in Nigeria. The environment is not friendly. If you want to begin any business, you must have nine lives to survive; it all depends on your determination, the zeal and energy you put into it.  In the course of that you will lose money, because there are a lot of people that will come to extort you. But if you don’t give up you will get to the Promised Land,” Madugba said.

Published In June On the Nation.

Read Online: http://thenationonlineng.net/lagos-hospitality-sector-can-generate-3b-yearly/

Jul09

5 Water Bridges From All Around the World

Travel 0 comments

Bridges are always overwhelming. Bridges help connect places that have never been connected before. Everyone drives their trucks, bikes, cars and trains over them regularly. But, what if you are told that there is a bridge for boats and ships too? Yes, it does sound a little kiddish, but humans, the greatest engineers have made that possible. Water Bridges are purely a wonder of modern engineering. They are also known as the navigable aqueduct, which exactly means a bridge that carries water and allows a boat or ship to navigate. Even a thought of this sounds unique and dactylic. Acting as connectors between channels and canals, these water bridges are incredible achievements of engineering and are certainly perfect places for fanciful and dreamlike experiences over water.

Some of the water bridges from all across the world are:

Magdeburg Water Bridge in Germany

The Magdeburg Water Bridge, the largest navigable aqueduct in the world, started in the year 2003. It is a connector between the Elbe and Havel channels, and is also a streamlined bridge cross over 918 meters.

Aqueduct Veluwemeer in Netherlands

It is 25 meter long open flowing water exactly above an underpass in the center of the Veluwemeer Lake, well known as the Aqueduct Veluwemeer. It is a perfect connector between Netherland and Flevoland – two of the largest and artificial islands in the world.

Pont Du Sart Aqueduct in Belgium

Well placed in the western Belgium, Pont du Sart Aqueduct weighs about 65,000 tons, nearby the town Houdeng-Goegnies. This enormous structure was constructed to carry the Centrum Kanaal water channel, which is one of the largest of its kind.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in UK

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the longest and the highest navigable water bridges in Britain, which was formed in the year 1805. This is 307 metre long and 38 metre above the river flowing below. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct also comes in the list of world heritage sites. Exploring this amazing destination will be on the top of your must do list.

Aqueduct Ringvaart Haarlemmermeer in Netherlands

Ringvaart Haarlemmermeer Water Bridge is the oldest in the city of Netherland. It is in the shape of a circle well enclosed by the Haarlemmermeer polder – a low-lying expanse of land surrounded by dikes. The astounding structure creates the borderline of the Haarlemmermeer municipality, and makes for a lustrous sight to look at. Come and experience a completely new place.

Courtesy: Layla Smith

Jun25

11 Super Simple Techniques for Conquering Loneliness

Overcome Loneliness 0 comments

Who hasn’t been lonesome at one time or another? Loneliness is among the most typical emotions. No one is immune. While nobody escapes loneliness, it’s possible to minimize the unfavorable sensations connected with being alone. A couple of basic strategies can make isolation simpler to bear. Try to hang out with others and keep a favorable mindset.

Try these techniques to minimize your sensations of isolation:

1. Avoid isolating yourself further. For some odd reason, when we feel lonesome, we’re likely to withdraw even further. This is a big error. It’s easy making yourself feel even worse. Others can supply a dosage of truth, too. While you’re beating yourself up, there’s nobody to challenge that truth. Spend time with others.

2. Be good to yourself. Caring yourself can be the best cure for solitude. After all, if you find yourself alone a lot, you’re most likely afraid of letting others get near you. Raising your self-image can make it simpler to connect with others.

3. Be nurturing. Looking after a kid or pet, for example, can minimize sensations of solitude. If you do not have a pet, this might be the perfect time to obtain one.

4. Get a hobby that involves others. Take an art class. Start a coed softball team. Sign up with a bowling league.

5. Volunteer. Leaving your home can be simpler if you think it’s for a great reason. Offering your time and attention to a worthy charity might be all the inspiration you have to hang around with others in a positive environment.

6. Call an old buddy. Remember the past with an old buddy. In between Facebook and the internet in general, it’s simple to locate anybody not in the witness protection program. An old buddy would enjoy hearing from you.

7. See something funny on TELEVISION. All negative feelings are more difficult to experience while you’re chuckling. Use that Netflix account and re-watch the very first season of Seinfeld or another old favorite. Make yourself laugh and you’ll feel less lonesome.

8. Go someplace brand-new. Even if you don’t have the cash to acquire a ticket to Bali, you can still go on a little adventure. Identify a neighboring town you’ve never ever visited and take a drive or get on a local bus and see where you end up. Novelty is an efficient way to avoid sensation lonesome.

9. Clean the house. Really clean it. You’ll feel more control over your life and it will keep your mind inhabited for a few hours. You’ll also be gotten ready for any guests that may come by.

10. Feel appreciation. Take pen to paper and list everything in your life that makes you feel grateful. Add to the list each day and spend a little time reviewing your list.

You’ll definitely feel much better and might gain some understanding into why you’re lonesome. Take a look at your list whenever you’re feeling down.

11. Take yourself on a date. Supper and a movie can be enjoyable, even if you’re alone. You can eat precisely what and where you desire. You can even choose the movie. For once, you don’t have to compromise.

Isolation is an indication that you need more human contact.

The world has plenty of humans, so there’s lots of opportunity to hang out with others. Go out the front door and engage with other people. Invest your alone time doing something intriguing and you can say goodbye to those feelings of loneliness.

Courtesy: Kurt