At N200 per $1, travelling to destinations abroad will definitely leave big holes in one’s pocket. This is a pointer to the prevailling economic realities in the country, which calls for the need to seek solace in domestic destinations.
With the soaring dollar, hotel accommodation, flight tickets, tours, shopping among other tourist activities, which are often priced in dollar are now very expensive.
In view of a tight travel budget, it is really time to look inwards to domestic offerings across the country that will make your travel Naira worth a fortune.
There is no doubt that the iconic museums and landmarks of Europe and America are huge draws for Nigerians and other Africans planning international vacation. But with naira’s worth significantly less than the dollar and euro, that trip to Eifel Tower in Paris, Trafalgar Square in London or Los Angeles to unravel the Hollywood can leave a deep hole in your pocket. The diminishing tourists’ buying-power for everything abroad −from the price of bugger, admission to a theatrical concert and to a room in one of London’s city hotels− will definitely stop you.
As price becomes key issue, you can travel to some major Nigerian and other neighbouring African destinations offering value for money and with favourable exchange rates. For the domestic traveller, you can easily get to your destination, stay, eat and enjoy your experiences even on a weak naira! Though security may be your greatest concern in visiting domestic destinations, the London, Paris and New York of this world are also experiencing security challenges, yet you still visit.
All you need do is look around, there are still pristine enclaves, alluring cities and awesome attractions to sightsee without watching your back.
Of course, tourism will not stop at this point of meltdown, it will only slow down. For those who cannot contain their wanderlust, but are watching their wallets, domestic destination is the answer. Honestly, they are considerably good, breathtaking and improved. Also, choosing a destination where the naira is strong, considering packages where rates are set far in advance and exploring unconventional locals can help satisfy your wanderlust as well. Obudu Mountain Resort, La Campaigne Tropicana, Akodo Beach Resort, Inagbe Resort are some outfits that offer packages with advance rates/payment.
Moreover, it is cheaper to see the petty jealousy and fight of male gorillas to maintain their female folks or experience the exhilarating Canopy Walk both at Afi Mountain Sanctuary in Cross Rivers State. A ride across the Obudu landscape onboard the cable car, a bath at Ikogosi Warm Spring and a swell-day with wildlife at Old Oyo National Park among other beach activities on the coastline of Lagos, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri are more affordable now that the Naira is weak.
With the high exchange rates against the naira, the experiences of many Nigerians who visited some top destinations abroad call for the need to seek succor in home-grown destinations.
As it stands, their different experiences influenced by the current trend, tend to draw traffic closer to cheaper destinations, especially at domestic level compared to long-haul travel and far destinations.
Some of them are more resilient now at visiting friends and relatives, while repeat visits are made when it is very necessary to do so. While in abroad, some of Nigerian tourists who delight in special interest and independent travelling on their foreign tours put off some of these expensive trips because of the high cost.
The decline in the average length of their stay, as well as their expenditure is more pronounced now than in the overall volume.
But in the other way, savvy tourists and business visitors in Nigeria with strong currencies, stand the chance to be favoured as they use their high purchasing power to experience a new culture for a reasonable cost.
Well, while it is ideal, especially at this time for Nigerians to reduce their appetite for foreign destinations, indigenous investors are also expected to take advantage of expensive foreign destination trips and tight travel budgets to develop facilities that will woo people to see more domestic attractions, develop tourism industry and empower people through job creation.
OBINNA EMELIKE
