Caption: L-R: CEO – Mr Marco Cristofoli CEO – Cruises International – Representative of Royal Caribbean cruise line in Africa, Mrs Uloma Egbuna Managing Director TBI Cruises and Tours – Representative of Royal Caribbean cruise line in West Africa, Natalya Whitfield Head Of Sales Emea Irs And Psrs – Royal Caribbean International, Thaybz Khan, Head Of Product Cruises International and Mrs Odion Chigbufue Executive Director, TBI Cruises and Tours.
Royal Caribbean Nigeria’s story is not simply one of setting sail, it’s about defying expectations and forging a new path in the travel industry. In a vibrant celebration held at the Lagos Intercontinental Hotel, the company acknowledged the pioneers who have played a pivotal role in their success.
The event served as a tribute to the dedicated travel agents and promoters who have championed Royal Caribbean cruises in Nigeria. Among the esteemed awardees were Travelers Haven, Aviator Travels, Travelkulture Limited, Essence Travels, Lynnmax Travels, Gota Voyage, Goge Africa, Tour Brokers International, and Elrom Travels.
Natalya Whitfield, Head of Sales for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, led the Royal Caribbean team alongside Marco Cristofoli, CEO of Cruises International, who represented the Africa team. Mrs. Uloma Egbuna, Managing Director of Tour Brokers International, shared a captivating account of the initial challenges faced in introducing cruises to Nigeria in 2007.
Despite encountering resistance, they persevered with unwavering commitment. This dedication culminated in the establishment of the first Royal Caribbean office in Nigeria and Africa in 2016.
While acknowledging the setbacks brought on by COVID-19, Egbuna emphasized the resilience and unwavering commitment of their partners. The ceremony served as a powerful testament to the strength of collaboration and perseverance, highlighting the importance of teamwork in navigating challenges.
“We remained resilient and committed to the vision,” Egbuna stated, recalling the initial struggles before the establishment of the Nigerian office. “Then covid happened. All the work it took us several years to do came grumbling like a pack of cards.”
Executive Director of TBI, Mrs Odion Chigbufue, expressed profound gratitude to the partners who played a crucial role in Royal Caribbean Nigeria’s journey. Ten outstanding agents were recognized as “cruise star agents” for their consistent dedication to promoting Royal Caribbean cruises.
“We recognized ten agents across Nigeria and West Africa who came to Nigeria to receive their awards,” Chigbufue explained. “They have been resilient; they have introduced it to their clients.”
One of the awardees, Joy Agbakoba of Travellers’ Haven, hailed cruises as the pinnacle of vacations, emphasizing their potential to contribute significantly to the growth of Nigerian tourism. Another recipient, Olamma Ojukwu of Gods Own Travel Agency, shared her exhilarating experience on a Royal Caribbean Cruise and expressed her enthusiasm for promoting cruises in French-speaking countries.
This event went beyond mere awards; it was a celebration of dedication and a powerful promise to continue making waves in the travel industry, building upon a foundation of resilience and collaboration.
