Ethiopian Airline set to partner NATOP to increase tourists traffic in both Countries – FTAN.NEWSTOUR.

Ethiopian Airline set to partner NATOP to increase tourist traffic in both Countries – FTAN.NEWSTOUR.

In her hunger to breakthrough, even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, when there are travel bans in most countries of the world, the National President of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators, NATOP, Hajia Bilkisu Abdul, once again extended her visit to the newly resumed Traffic & Sales Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Abuja, Mrs. Senait Ataklet. Accompanying her were Mr. Owolabi Olaniran, the Secretary of NATOP and the Secretary of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, FTAN, Mr. Precious Okonji.

Hajia Bilkisu Abdul expressed her hope for the industry as she assured Ethiopian Airlines that she and her members are not giving up and will continue to intensify their efforts in reviving the industry amidst the second wave of the covid-19 pandemic ravaging the global economy. She stressed that now is the time for Africa countries to come together and promote each other. “It is time to look inward”, she said.

Furthermore, the National President rolled out the efforts and success stories of the Association of Tour operators in promoting both inbound and outbound tour packages. She said that NATOP wants to renew her commitment with Ethiopian Airlines and also see how both countries can mutually benefit from each other. She added that NATOP members will like to know all the countries on Ethiopian Airlines route and see how they can add them to their packages. She also requested that ET should see how they can also assist in getting the visas of such countries. 

Full of excitement, the new ET Abuja manager, Mrs. Senait, welcomed the partnership proposal from NATOP. She said that Ethiopia being over 3,000 years has come to realize that Africa is one of their biggest markets. She said that they have been focussing on the Asian and European countries but that ever since they introduced stop-overs for their passengers, there has been a great difference. “The introductions of stop-over routes have fully paid off and we are set to take it to the next level in ensuring customer satisfaction and, of course, NATOP is the best body to partner with to achieve this,” she said.

She iterated that Ethiopian Airlines will be introducing different packages for travelers who will be embarking on revenge traveling after the pandemic. On the request for Visa, she advised that for this new partnership plan, NATOP should do more of high profile travelers especially travelers with Shengei visa. This is because most countries are mindful of visitors they receive due to the covid-18 pandemic. She added that Ethiopia is also ready to promote Nigeria as a destination. She also requested for available Nigerian tour packages to enable her promote the same in her country. She said Ethiopians love visiting Nigeria and that she is ready to make it happen.

The National President, Hajia Bilkisu assured her of her members commitment and promised to avail her of all the requested materials. "Work has started", she said!

- FTAN.NEWSTOUR