Emirates Airlines has engaged key travel agencies in Nigeria ahead of its October 1, 2024, return to the Lagos-Dubai route, following the easing of visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In preparation for the relaunch, the airline hosted a workshop in Lagos, showcasing its latest products and services to empower travel agents to better serve their customers.
The workshop highlighted Emirates’ full-service offerings, including gourmet and regionally-inspired dining, the award-winning in-flight entertainment system, ice, and exceptional hospitality from its multinational cabin crew. Additionally, Emirates Holidays, the airline’s tour operator arm, presented curated holiday packages to Dubai and other popular destinations like the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia, and South Africa to meet the pent-up travel demand from Nigeria.
Key stakeholders from Dubai, including representatives from Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), provided an update on the tourism and trade opportunities in the UAE. The Dubai Stopover Experience team showcased must-see attractions for travelers, while the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) promoted the city as a top destination for medical tourism. Dubai Visa Processing Centres also offered guidance on applying for UAE visas for tourists and those transiting through the city.
Paulos Legesse, Emirates’ Country Manager for Nigeria, emphasized the importance of travel agencies in the airline’s success, noting the strong relationships built over the years that have helped boost tourism and travel links between Nigeria and the UAE. He explained that the workshop was crucial not only to present Emirates’ world-class products and services but also to gain insights from the wider industry to better tailor offerings for the Nigerian market.
As part of its commitment to Nigerian travelers, Emirates has reinstated tier status levels for Skywards members, ensuring they continue to enjoy earned benefits and recognition.
Legesse expressed excitement about Emirates’ return, stating, “We have exciting plans and can’t wait to bring our industry-leading products and services back to the Nigerian market from October 1.”
With the relaunch, Emirates is poised to enhance seamless and premium travel experiences between Nigeria, the UAE, and beyond.
