Flyzone Tourism, a leading force in the Nigerian tourism industry is redefining its role with an ambitious expansion into Lagos. Speaking at a press conference held at the company’s Lagos office on Allen, Ikeja, Ambassador. Awomoyi Ayodeji, the Principal Executive of Flyzone Tourism and multiple-award-winning promoter of Nigerian and African tourism explained the company’s vision. The move to Lagos is not about competing with or overshadowing travel agencies but rather about targeting a new sector to expand the company’s scope and deliver even greater value to the Nigerian travel ecosystem.
Flyzone Tourism has long been a trusted partner for travel agencies across the country, processing thousands of eVisas and travel products for over 4,900 agencies. For over a decade, the company has specialised in creating innovative marketing campaigns for destinations ranging from bustling cities to serene beach resorts and breathtaking national parks, both locally and internationally. This expansion into Lagos is yet another bold step in Flyzone’s journey, fueled by a passion for excellence and a desire to bring new opportunities to the table.
Amb. Ayodeji highlighted the company’s unique approach during the press conference, emphasising that Flyzone is not entering Lagos to disrupt the travel agency market but to complement it by exploring untapped opportunities. “We are targeting a different sector,” he said. “Nigeria is a vast market with over 200 million people. Even with thousands of travel agencies, there is still room for growth and diversification. Our goal is not to compete but to expand, innovate, and provide value to all stakeholders in the industry.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the travel industry in Nigeria, he noted how the advent of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) revolutionised the way people book flights and travel products. In the early 1990s and 2000s, Nigerians relied heavily on traditional travel agencies for bookings. However, the rise of OTAs allowed clients to book directly online, bypassing intermediaries. This shift, while significant, did not render traditional travel agencies obsolete. Instead, it underscored their value as problem-solvers and trusted advisors in an increasingly digital world.
“Even today, the role of a travel agent remains crucial. When a client faces issues, it’s often easier to reach out to the travel agent who booked the ticket than to contact an airline, which has its hands full with other operational responsibilities. Travel agencies also benefit from exclusive discounts, creating a win-win situation for everyone. For instance, if we offer a product to a client for 100,000 Naira and a travel agency gets it for 50,000 Naira, the agency still retains its competitive edge. This synergy is vital, and we intend to preserve it while targeting a different segment,” he noted.
The decision to establish a presence in Lagos did not come easy. The award winning Ayodeji explained that Flyzone’s Port Harcourt office has been very efficient and served primarily as a back-end operation focused on processing requests and managing travel agency partnerships. The new Lagos office represents a shift toward more direct engagement with the market, enabling Flyzone to foster closer relationships with clients and partners.
“Port Harcourt allowed us to concentrate on back-end operations, but Lagos offers something different, which is a chance to engage directly with the industry and its stakeholders. In Port Harcourt, we rarely had visitors to our office because everything was handled online. While this model worked well, we realised over time that we were losing opportunities to connect with travel agencies face-to-face. Lagos changes that. It brings us closer to the action and allows us to build stronger relationships,” he said.
While addressing concerns on whether Flyzone Tourism expansion into Lagos might create competition with existing travel agencies, he reassured that the company focus remains on collaboration and innovation, not competition. “We are not here to take jobs from travel agencies. We are here to target other sectors and broaden the scope of what’s possible in Nigerian tourism. Our relationships with travel agencies are built on trust, and we are committed to maintaining that trust as we explore new opportunities,” he stressed.
The Lagos office also places Flyzone in closer proximity to critical visa centres and other travel-related infrastructure. This strategic location enhances the company’s ability to serve both travel agencies and individual clients more efficiently. “For example, the UK visa application centre was initially based in Port Harcourt but had since relocated, though South Africa and Angola visa application centres are still there in Port Harcourt. Being in Lagos allows us to respond quickly to changes like these and remain accessible to our partners and clients,” he explained.
As Flyzone ventures into this new chapter, the company’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. With a proven track record of success, numerous industry awards, and a reputation for delivering exceptional service, Flyzone is poised to redefine what it means to be a leader in the Nigerian travel industry. The move to Lagos represents not just an expansion but a reaffirmation of Flyzone’s mission to drive the industry forward through innovation, collaboration, and a customer-centric approach.
Flyzone Tourism presence in Lagos also underscores its dedication to bridging the gap between traditional and modern travel services. While the online community continues to grow, he acknowledged that many Nigerians still value face-to-face interactions. “People’s past experiences shape their preferences. Some still feel more comfortable visiting an office or meeting someone in person before entrusting their travel plans to them. By establishing a physical presence in Lagos, we are meeting people where they are and offering them the best of both world such as online convenience and personal connection,” he added.
Making a call to action for travel agencies and potential clients alike, Flyzone Tourism boss urged tourism stakeholders to explore what the company has to offer and assured them of the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence. “We are here to make a difference. Whether you are a travel agency looking for a reliable partner or an individual seeking top-notch travel services, Flyzone is here for you. Together, we can create unforgettable journeys and open new doors for Nigerian tourism,” he assured.
Flyzone Tourism’s Lagos annex is more than just an office. By targeting new sectors and expanding its business scope, Flyzone is positioning itself as a true innovator in the industry, ready to meet the evolving needs of Nigeria’s dynamic travel market. As the company continues to grow, one thing is clear: Flyzone Tourism is not just keeping pace with the industry, undoubtedly setting the standard
