By Onyeka Ezike
The travel and tourism industry in Nigeria has long been plagued by unprofessional practices, including the presence of untrained individuals, ticket rustlers, and even fraudulent operators. However, Mrs. Chioma Obi, a seasoned travel expert from Enugu State, is working to change this narrative, particularly in the Eastern region.
As the Director of Jands Travels Business School and Managing Director of Travels Network, Mrs. Obi has dedicated herself to professionalizing the travel industry. She is also the Convener of the Domestic Tourism Conference, a public speaker, and an author.
Speaking on the state of travel and tourism in Enugu, Mrs. Obi was recently featured as a special guest on Creative Nigeria, a cultural tourism radio program on Mainland 98.3 FM, Lagos. The program, anchored by veteran cultural tourism journalist Frank Meke and Bunmi Bade Adeniji, highlights various aspects of Nigeria’s tourism industry.
Sharing her insights, Mrs. Obi described Enugu as a beautiful destination, stating, “I chose Enugu as my base because it is a city where people come to relax and take a break from their busy schedules. It has always been one of my top destinations.”
She elaborated on the role of Jands Travel Business School in bridging the knowledge gap in the travel industry, particularly in Enugu. According to her, many individuals enter the travel business without proper training, leading to misconceptions about the industry.
“At some point in my career, people started approaching me, asking if I could teach them how to succeed in the travel business. Many assume it’s an easy industry, but they don’t see the effort and professionalism that go on behind the scenes,” she explained.
Mrs. Obi noted that in some parts of Nigeria, the travel business is often associated with fraudsters and unprofessional agents, a stark contrast to the high standards maintained in many developed countries. Her experiences at international travel seminars exposed her to the structured and ethical practices followed abroad.
Motivated to make a difference, she launched Jands Travel Business School, offering structured training to aspiring travel professionals. Initially, the idea of a travel business school faced resistance, with some suggesting it should focus solely on travel technology, hospitality, and tourism. However, she remained committed to establishing a specialized institution that provides comprehensive education on the business side of travel.
Today, the school is helping individuals start their travel businesses with proper registration and ethical practices. Mrs. Obi’s vision is to clean up the travel industry in Nigeria by equipping professionals with the right knowledge and skills to operate successfully.
Through her work, she continues to redefine the travel ecosystem in Enugu and beyond, championing professionalism and ethical standards in the industry.
