TravelsNaija.com: September 2013

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Nigerian Passenger Dies in US-bound Flight from Lagos

Houston police are awaiting autopsy results on a Nigerian man, who died at about 8:25 a.m. Tuesday on a US-bound flight out of Lagos.

The male, Benedict Sylvester Igwedike, 67, of Lagos, Nigeria, died on board a United Airlines flight.

According to HPD Homicide Division Senior Police Officer, M. Miller, patrol officers responded to a deceased male who was on board the United Airlines flight #143 arriving from Lagos, Nigeria.

Miller said: "Further investigation determined Mr. Igwedike passed away shortly after the flight departed from Nigeria.

"The flight was then rerouted to Dakar, Senegal. After refuelling, authorities in Senegal rerouted the flight to Houston."

The investigation is pending Igwedike's cause of death says Miller.

The normal time for the direct flight between Lagos and Houston, Texas is about 13 hours but the plane was diverted to the capital of Senegal ostensibly to administer further medical treatment on the late Igwedike.

Souce: Daily Times.

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Monday, September 16, 2013

Medview Airlines begins airlift of Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

Medview Airlines, one of the carriers designated to fly Muslimpilgrims to Saudi Arabia yesterday commenced airlifting of 517 pilgrims from the Lagos zone through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
The 517 pilgrims from Osun and Ogun States, are the first batch of the over 5,500 to be air lifted by Medview Airlines from three zones namely Lagos, Ilorin and Port Harcourt allocated to the airline.

The airline said it has deployed two Boeing 747 and Boeing 767 aircraft to airports in Lagos and Ilorin that would simultaneously fly pilgrims into Medina, in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a pre-departure briefing at the hajj camp axis of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, the managing director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole said the airline will complete the in bound air lifting of pilgrims at the designated zones this week , even as he assured that all logistics have been mobilised to ensure the seamless movement if the pilgrims.

Bankole said the airline in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON) to sensitive the pilgrims on how to avoid being afflicted with Coronal Virus that is prevalent in Saudi Arabia .

He said it is for such readies that children are not allowed to participate in the exercise , even as he said the airline would not board any unmarried female pilgrims that is not accompanied by a male guarantor .
Bankole said :" We have commenced 2013 air lifting of Muslim pilgrims from Lagos and Ilorin zones and we will be flying 517 passenger today with the Boeing 747 aircraft to Medina in Saudi Arabia.
We are operating from three zones, Lagos , Ilorin and Port Harcourt .
The pilgrims will be flown to Medina. As an airline we will provide clothing materials and water for the males and females.
We have B747 and B767 aircraft already in place to make the flight hitch free.
All adequate arrangements has been made like we did last year to ensure that any female that is not accompanied by a male is not allowed to board.

From the Medview Airlines point of view, We would provide some materials for the pilgrims."

He further said : " About 5,500 pilgrims will be airlifted from Lagos, Ilorin, and Port Harcourt.

That is the number of pilgrims allotted to us fir this year.
Besides the Boeing 747 aircraft we have in Lagos , We have deployed another Boeing 767 aircraft in Ilorin zone.

We are fully prepared for this programme, we insist that all pilgrims abide by the laws, concerning unaccompanied singles.
We would conclude by October 19, 2013.

We have done this Hajj thirty times, it shows we have core competence in this business.
We have collaborated with officials of Ministry of Health to sensitive the pilgrims on how to stay healthy and avoid any infection with the coronal virus that was reported in Saudi Arabia at the time.

The ministry of health and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has carried out sufficient enlightenment to ensure that the pilgrims are equipped with enough knowledge to avoid any contamination of coronal virus.

That is why children are not allowed. We would conclude by weekend the in bound leg of the flights into Saudi Arabia and commence the out bound airlifting from Saudi Arabia from October 19, 2013.

We have begun the airlift with pilgrims from Osun State, Ogun State, while other states in the South West will continue in the week.
We have sufficiently mobilised to ensure there is no hitch in the programme . "

Source: Alarinka agbaye blog.

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Govt plans tourism sector transformation to diversify revenue base

By Gregory Austin Nwakunor and Ajibola Amzat

THE Federal Government has restated its commitment to diversifying the nation’s revenue base, with a plan to develop the tourism sector to generate more earnings and create more jobs.
At the tourism stakeholders forum tagged ‘Rebuilding the NTDC and Growing the Tourism Value Chain for Revenue Generation and Job Creation’, held at the Civic Centre, Lagos on Monday, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Edem Duke, said the forum gave full expression to the transformation agenda in the tourism sector.
According to him, the ministry has President Goodluck Jonathan’s approval of the transformation agenda in the ministry which provides “a rallying point for showcasing Nigeria’s tourism assets by articulating a strategic brand positioning for Nigeria in the international arena aptly christened Fascinating Nigeria. This is imperative because the world has moved beyond traditional diplomacy into an era of brand diplomacy.”
While stating that the ministry has entered into a strategic partnership with a Dubai-based destination marketing company to domesticate best practices from their experiences, he called on all stakeholders in the Nigerian project to support the re-energised brand positioning.
“We urge corporate citizens and every Nigerian, indeed, to proudly start a word-of-mouth campaign in support of our media campaigns, especially on international platforms,” he said.
The minister said his ministry is mindful of the many challenges faced by stakeholders across the Tourism value chain. “From the operator, who is confronted with multiple taxes and high cost of capital to the Nigerian citizens who are more likely to be below 35 years of age and seeking better paying job so they can have time for leisure and domestic travel.”
Duke said, “in line with the policy of this administration to provide an enabling environment for the private sector to be the engine of economic growth and job creation, we encourage private investors to partner with the NTDC as it unveils programmes and projects.”
The Director General of NTDC, Sally Mbanefo, while unfolding her transformation agenda, said her focus would be domestic tourism.
According to the DG, “the domestic tourism market has very high revenue and job creation potential. If we assume that a low estimate of 20 million out of 160 million Nigerians travel locally for business, leisure, culture, religion or sport yearly, and they spend only 10 per cent of Nigeria’s per capital income of $2000 yearly, we will have $4 billion domestic tourism market and hence our focus at NTDC is on developing domestic tourism as the foundation for attracting international tourists.”
According to Mbanefo, “we cannot achieve anything without the support of all the stakeholders, home and abroad.”
The chairman of the occasion, Mr. Andrew Alli, who is President, African Finance Corporation, described tourism as a major driver of infrastructural inv estment on the continent. He noted that financing is not a major challenge as some investors may want to believe that “if the business idea is good, accessing funding may not be difficult. Financial organisations are only looking out for key factors that can mitigate the risk,” he said.

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NIGERIA, 18 OTHERS BARRED FROM USA VISA LOTTERY

Friday, September 6, 2013

BEST TRAVEL TIPS

We asked our reporters for their best travel tips. Here’s our ultimate travel advice list. Have we missed any? Let us know.

1) Wash your clothes in the sink / shower. Use the hotel soap. Or take a little traveller sized bottle of laundry detergent with you. It's much easier than finding a Laundromat in a foreign country. And there are only so many times that you can wear the same pair of undies.

2) Learn how to use a needle and thread. You've only got space for a few items of clothing. Sewing a broken button back on will save you a lot of hassle.

3) Carry baby wipes / facewipes. This can be used to feel clean when there are no showers. Yes, sometimes there are NO showers.

4) Learn how to say "no thank you". Most travel advice columns will tell you to learn how to say "hello", "yes please", "thank you" and "do you speak English?". But in some countries you really want to be able to say "no thank you, please leave me alone". Think about the crowded market places in Asia. Knowing how to say "no thank you" in their language is going to give you a lot more peace.

5) Grocery stores are a traveller’s best resource. Cheap food, local flavours. Find the nearest one to your hotel and you will save yourself a heap of cash. Have a picnic lunch every day.

6) Keep an emergency stash of money. If you lose your wallet you will still need to eat. An empty Chapstick is a fantastic secret hiding spot.

7) Learn how to drive a manual car. Stuck at an airport after your flight has been cancelled? You could drive. You will be smacking your head on the desk if they only have manual cars.

8) Roll your clothes when packing. No creases and more clothes fit into your suitcase.

9) Always keep a stash of spare plastic bags for dirty clothes / shoes. Smelly socks will make your clean clothes stink. Always.

10) Learn how to swim. You never know when you might need to on the spur of the moment.

11) Learn how to pack light. You do not need to take 20kg for a week of travel. You CAN wear trousers two days in a row or more. The less you have to carry, the happier you will be travelling. And if the French Metro goes on strike on the day you need to get to the airport - you will thank us.

12) Know how much it should cost in a taxi. Carry a card with the hotel address and a map. Ask for taxi drivers to use the meter. Make sure they are legitimate taxi drivers.

13) Always carry a hard copy map of the city you're going to. Save your phone charge for when you really need it.

14) Make sure your bank cards work. There is nothing more annoying on holidays than spending hours on the phone to the bank back home.

15) Carry tissues that can double up as toilet paper. Plus carry a hand sanitiser.

16) Pack sandals or thongs for use in showers. Showers can be gross. You don’t want your feet to touch the floor.

17) Learn how to change a tyre. Murphy's law says if you don't know and you head off on a road trip, you're bound to get a flat.

18) Be prepared to sleep anywhere. Ear plugs and eye patches will help block out the light.

19) Learn how to take a decent photo. Don’t come home with a bunch of Instagram selfies. Memories fade and you'll want something to remember the scenery by.

20) Pack smart. Put necklaces in straws so they don’t get jumbled. Use a button to keep earrings together and take a look at this list to help you pack.

21) Learn basic first aid. This is just a great life skill, if nothing else.

22) Get folders for travel documents and itineraries. Keep them organised so you don’t have to mess about digging through pockets in your bag at the airport check-in.

23) Use public transport. It's fast. It's easy, it's cheaper and it will give you a better travel experience. Get a map, learn the different ticket types and if you are heading to London – organise an Oyster Card in advance.

24) Use little bottles for everything. It takes up less room. If you use plain bottles make sure you label them with a pen that won’t wash or rub off. Mistakes can and do happen. Moisturising your hair is not a good look.

25) Buy and wear good walking shoes. Blisters are not fun and high heels don’t work on Europe’s cobblestone pathways.

26) Ask the locals for advice, tips. The best beach probably isn't the most popular one. The locals can help you find those secret spots you will rave about.

27) Eat where the locals eat. Just like number 26 - the same goes with restaurants. Ask the locals where they eat. Go there instead.

28) Peg clothes to the outside of your backpack as you walk around in the sun to dry them after washing. Cheap and easy!

29) Know where the embassy is. Seriously. Find it on your map. Don’t think just because you are in a "safe" country you won’t need it. All it takes is a quick Google search, write down the address and put it in a safe place.

30) Register your details with DFAT. OK, this one is obvious but surprisingly so many of us don’t actually do it. In cases like Boston or London, DFAT will be the place your family will turn to. Make sure they know where you are.

31) Be aware of the local laws. Don’t get drunk on the streets of Dubai or expect to chew and spit gum in Singapore. You’re leaving Australia - don't expect our law system to follow you around the world.

32) Get your vaccinations if you need them. Yellow fever is not fun. You will kick yourself if you could have prevented it and you didn't.

33) Scan your passport and travel documents. Give copies to family/friends. If you lose your passport or travel documents, this backup will save you a lot of heartache. It will also help your family to find you in the event of a disaster.

34) Learn a few phrases of the local language. Speak to the locals. Experience their culture. Don’t just wander through it.

35) Know the scams of each destination. 'Thai driver want to show you his best restaurant?' It’s probably his mate's. Get on the internet and work out the scams so you don’t become a sucker. Then refer to number 4.

36) Learn the art of haggling. Haggling saves you money. Be bold. That extra $4 will buy you a coffee.

37) Learn the basic geography of the country you are visiting. There’s nothing worse than a traveller who has no idea where they are travelling.

38) Learn how to use a compass. Sounds extreme but it could help in a crisis.

39) Learn how to use chopsticks. Don’t look like a tourist asking for a fork. Chopsticks are a must.

40) Get travel insurance. It's obvious, but probably one of the most important items on this list. The French always go on strike meaning your flight could easily get cancelled and accidents do happen, particularly if you want to ride a scooter in Bali. Get travel insurance.

41) Allow relaxation time to get over jet lag. You don't want to be on the go for six weeks straight. It should be a holiday. You should relax at some point.

42) Keep a change of clothes and basic toiletries in your carry-on. If your luggage gets lost you will be very glad.

43) Travelling via Singapore? Pack your swimmers in your carry-on and take a break in the outdoor rooftop pool at the airport while in transit. You will feel 100 per cent better getting on the next flight.

44) Research the airports you are travelling through so you can a) find the fastest way through and b) use the facilities. Don't just sit at the boarding gate.

45) Take a jumper on the plane. It is cold. It has air conditioning.

46) Take thick socks for the plane. Cold feet will stop you sleeping.

47) Take Imodium and panadol/nurofen. The cuisine of other countries can be harsh on the tummy.

48) Find out if the country you are going to sells tampons. Some countries don’t. Or they are really hard to find. Even places you wouldn’t think of - like Athens.

49) Check if the drinking water is safe. That includes brushing your teeth, ice in cocktails and drinking water in the shower.

50) Be aware of altitude sickness. Give yourself time to adjust between altitudes, drink a lot more when you are high up.

51) Know the local road rules. Even in New Zealand the rules are different.

52) Be respectful. Pay attention to how local women dress to work out how you should.

That's our list. Have we missed any? Share your ultimate travel tips below.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

How to motivate your customers to buy

By Bryony Thomas

It’s fascinating how a simple change of language can completely alter your perspective on something. In a meeting with David Tovey from principled selling, we were looking at stages in the buying decision and discussing which parts are marketing, which sales, and which customer service.
To my mind, marketing is the act of taking your products and services to market, and is therefore the umbrella term for the joined-up whole. However, I conceded that most people see marketing as filling the top end of a sales funnel. The awareness and lead generation bit. Then David said something brilliant. He said, “we don’t call it marketing; we call it motivating” — and he is spot on!
Use the word marketing and many people think of fluffy branding activity or expensive awareness campaigns. Many of which seem to have little link to an actual sale at the end of the day. But, if you switch the word to talk about how you’re going to motivate potential buyers to want to talk to you, and then to want to buy from you, and then to want to keep buying from you; then the purpose of the activity becomes clear. The purpose is to help them.
The most motivating thing of all is to be genuinely helpful. If you can help your potential buyer to achieve something that’s on their list, then you’re on to a winner. So, think about the steps in a buying decision and think about ways to be helpful…

If they’re scoping a project, think about a blog or paper that helps them to prepare a project brief.
If they’re choosing between suppliers, think about providing a scorecard of key criteria against which to assess potential suppliers.
If they’re teetering on the edge of a decision, find a way of letting them try before they buy with a trial or gateway product.

So, ask yourself if what you’re putting out there is helpful? If the answer is yes, then it’s likely to be motivating.
And, that’s good marketing.