The Group Managing Director Finchglow Holdings, Mr. Bankole Bernard, has stressed the importance of structure, digitisation, and long-term thinking for Nigerian travel agencies to grow and thrive in today’s competitive market.
He gave this charge during a keynote presentation on “Strategic Business Development for Travel Agencies” at a recent Business Workshop. The workshop was organised by the Lagos Zone of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA). Its goal was to equip travel professionals with the skills and tools required to succeed in a fast-evolving business landscape.
Drawing from over 20 years of experience in the travel and aviation sector, Mr. Bernard shared practical insights on how agencies can build strong foundations for sustainable growth. He emphasised that the sector must move away from intuition-based decisions and instead rely on data, digital tools, and automation.
“In this age, growth is not by chance. It is by design—using data, leveraging technology, and forging strategic partnerships,” Bernard said.
He warned that without digital transformation, many travel businesses risk stagnation or collapse. He described digital tools as not merely enablers but as the core of operational efficiency. According to him, modern agencies that fail to adapt may soon find themselves irrelevant.
Citing Finchglow Holdings as a case study, he explained how structure, digitisation, and long-term thinking helped scale the business from a single location in Falomo to a diversified travel group. The group now includes six subsidiaries operating in corporate travel, tourism, logistics, education, and business services.
Importantly, Bernard also advocated for professionalism across the industry. He reminded attendees that long-term success depends not just on tools and data but also on character and consistency. He urged agencies to institutionalise accountability and uphold high ethical standards.
This call for professionalism echoes a key moment at the 49th NANTA Annual General Meeting, where the NANTA Membership Identification Card was relaunched. Bernard, who served as NANTA President from 2016 to 2020, had initiated the ID card to promote industry accountability and identity.
In closing his presentation, Bernard stated, “Sustainable growth is not just about reacting quickly but thinking strategically and leading decisively.”
This message reinforced the central idea that structure, digitisation, and long-term thinking are no longer optional—they are the foundation for travel business survival and success.
