Creativity reinventing Nigeria’s tourism experiences – Expert

Creativity and experience-driven packages are increasingly reshaping Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry as operators respond to changing consumer tastes and economic realities.

Oyindamola Fashogbon, Senior Partner, Marketing and Communications at Whispering Palms Resort, in Badagry, said this in an interview with newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos.

Fashogbon said travellers were now looking beyond basic accommodation, pushing resorts to offer more immersive and personalised leisure options.

“The experience matters. It is not just to take time away, but what you do while taking time away,” she said.

Fashogbon noted that while some periods brought increased room uptake, the bigger opportunity focused on curated activities that made local getaways more attractive.

“We have seen a pickup in room uptake,” she said.

She, however, added that the demand was being driven by guests seeking memorable moments, rather than long-distance travel.

She said economic pressures and technology were also forcing operators to innovate, as many leisure activities could now be replicated at home.

“People can easily do some things in the comfort of their homes because of technology,” she said.

To stay competitive, Fashogbon said resorts were expanding beyond traditional room-and-meal packages, to experiences such as boat cruises, spa sessions, private dinners and themed entertainment.

“We recently introduced our movie on the sands and dinner under the stars,” she said.

She urged tourism businesses to embrace creativity.

Citing the recent Valentine’s Day celebrations, she said travellers were increasingly motivated by unique experiences and lasting memories.

“This season has called for a need to be very creative in offerings,” she stated.

Fashogbon explained that tourism spending still generated significant local value through services and Nigerian-made products.

Estimating the value exchange from Valentine’s celebration in hundreds of millions, she said, “the economy is going to benefit from it, definitely.”