In Nigeria’s corporate sector, a shift in employee reward systems is being led by Wayfare Travels, a travel management company founded in 2018 by Kolawole and Temitope Omoyeni. The firm is changing how businesses approach staff motivation by promoting travel-based incentives as an alternative to traditional cash and gift rewards.
The Omoyenis established the company on the belief that travel experiences create stronger bonds between employees and employers. Kolawole said, “We envisioned crafting incentive programmes that resonate on a profoundly personal level. Travel possesses that unique ability. It broadens horizons, fosters camaraderie among team members, and leaves an indelible mark on the individual.”
For many organisations in Nigeria, corporate incentives have often taken the form of monetary bonuses and material gifts. While effective in the short term, these methods have not always delivered sustained employee engagement. Wayfare Travels seeks to address this gap by offering customised trips tailored to company goals and values.
The company designs programmes ranging from team-building activities in the Rwandan mountains to corporate retreats in Dubai. These are built to encourage personal growth, teamwork, and connection, while aligning with organisational objectives.
Its growing portfolio highlights this approach. Wayfare managed travel logistics for distributors attending the FIFA World Cup in Qatar and arranged staff trips to the Mobile World Congress in Spain. According to Temitope, “Our incentive trips are far more than mere vacations. They represent strategic investments in human capital, designed to unlock the full potential of each employee. We meticulously handle every intricate detail, from flights and accommodations to engaging activities and immersive cultural experiences, allowing employees to focus solely on enjoying the journey and forging meaningful connections with their colleagues.”
As it expands into other regions, including Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, Wayfare Travels remains focused on helping companies rethink how they reward their workforce. The firm’s model is centred on using travel not only as a reward but as a tool for building stronger workplace culture.
By replacing traditional incentives with shared travel experiences, Wayfare is providing organisations with a new method to recognise and motivate staff while promoting long-term engagement and growth.
