Nigeria’s leading travel consolidator, Finchglow Travels, hosted the 13th edition of its signature event, PartnerPlus Connect 13.0 Live Edition. This initiative reinforced the importance of PartnerPlus Connect travel collaboration in addressing the sector’s evolving challenges and enhancing engagement among trade partners.
Held at the Protea Hotel in Alausa, Lagos, the event demonstrated Finchglow’s commitment to empowering its trade partners through innovation and strategic networking. The event also served as a vehicle to physically gather feedback in a bid to improve services all round. With the theme “Navigating Travel Industry Shifts,” it brought together stakeholders, travel professionals, and key industry players focused on finding fresh solutions to shared challenges.
Managing Director Finchglow Travels, Ezekiel Ikotun noted that the PartnerPlus Connect initiative was designed to boost synergy and promote stronger bonds among partners. According to him, “Travel partners used the event to bring up issues affecting their businesses with a view to getting solutions.”
Ikotun revealed that this engagement strategy was in place even before the COVID-19 pandemic but was elevated due to the pressing need for in-person interactions in the post-pandemic era. “After COVID, it became more conspicuous that we must do this consistently,” he stated. “People had gotten used to digital communication, and business transactions no longer needed face-to-face meetings. But that made spaces for physical connection even more critical.”
He elaborated on the structure of the initiative. “We hold three events per quarter—two online and one on-site—and we’re strategically located in four of Nigeria’s key regions: Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Kano,” he said. “In December, we hosted Abuja. In Q2, we’re heading to Port Harcourt, then to Kano, and finally returning to Abuja.”
Ikotun emphasised that the aim is not simply networking but a deeper industry reset. “What happened today proves the purpose of these gatherings. People were able to voice their thoughts, give and receive feedback, and genuinely engage in improving the ecosystem,” he said.
Airlines also played a key role in the event, with standout participants recognised and rewarded. This underscored the event’s spirit of unity and collaboration. Ikotun stressed, “Beyond just talking, these forums remind us that community and consistent engagement are key to elevating our industry.”
The event was supported by major airlines including Emirates, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Air Peace, all of whom showcased their latest offerings and addressed pressing partner concerns. The sessions revealed how airlines and consolidators can work together to stay ahead in a shifting industry landscape.
Mr. Nurudeen, a representative of the global travel technology provider Sabre, used the platform to encourage Air Peace to explore codeshare and interline agreements. He said these could alleviate operational burdens and increase reach. “Rather than being the pride of Africa and doing it alone, it would be nice if you could collaborate with others,” he advised. “Post-COVID recovery has shown that businesses have thrived more collaborating with each other than competing.”
Responding to this, the Team Lead, Sales & Business Development, Air Peace, Adekunle Aileru disclosed that the airline is already in a codeshare agreement with Emirates. This position was affirmed by Senior Sales Executive at Emirates, Mr. Olucho Nwosu, who confirmed the partnership and added that Air Peace is working on expanding its international reach. He revealed, “The airline is currently looking to acquire another wide-body aircraft. Once its aircraft returns from maintenance checks, it will resume its suspended routes, including Johannesburg and Guangzhou, and also plans to commence service to Milan.”
Additionally, the event featured vital networking opportunities. Attendees had one-on-one access to airline representatives and travel technology experts, allowing them to explore opportunities and address challenges in real time.
The panel discussions focused on emerging issues affecting the travel space, such as Agency Debit Memos (ADM), the integration of Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and the full digital transformation of travel operations. These discussions sparked engagement and informed strategy among participants.
Giveaways such as gift vouchers were handed to trade partners as tokens of appreciation, further boosting the sense of community and motivation among attendees.
Ultimately, PartnerPlus Connect travel collaboration has become a cornerstone of Finchglow’s strategy to future-proof the travel ecosystem. The event once again proved its relevance as a platform for strategic alignment, innovation, and robust engagement among stakeholders committed to moving the Nigerian travel industry forward.
