Finchglow Holidays, one of Nigeria’s leading travel and tour operators, has entered into a strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and Ethiopian Holidays to expand travel opportunities and improve tourism experiences between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
The partnership, announced in a statement by the Public Relations Manager of Finchglow Holdings, Temilade Adu, marks a significant step toward strengthening aviation and tourism connections between both countries. Finchglow Holidays is a subsidiary of Finchglow Holdings, which has become a household name in Nigeria’s travel and aviation sector.
The collaboration will introduce a range of curated tour packages designed to showcase Ethiopia’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and vibrant cities. A standout feature of the deal is the introduction of in-country visa facilitation, which aims to simplify travel for Nigerians by reducing one of the major barriers to exploring Ethiopia.
According to the Head of Business at Finchglow Holidays, Oluwaseun Afolabi, the Nigerian travel market has evolved, with more people seeking new destinations beyond the usual popular routes. He explained that Ethiopia offers hidden gems that remain largely untapped by Nigerian tourists.
“Nigerians are now looking for hidden gems, moving away from the regular travel destinations, and Ethiopia offers some of the most captivating yet underexplored experiences on the continent,” Afolabi said. “Through this partnership, we are not only opening doors to these hidden tourist treasures but also fostering deeper cultural exchange between Nigeria and Ethiopia.”
He added that combining thoughtfully designed travel packages with simplified visa processes would make trips more accessible for Nigerians and present Ethiopia as a strong competitor in Africa’s tourism market.
Area Manager for Ethiopian Airlines, Firiehiwot Mekonnen, also expressed optimism about the partnership, describing Nigeria as one of the airline’s most important markets. She said the collaboration would give Nigerian travellers a new perspective on Ethiopia beyond its role as a major African aviation hub.
“Nigeria is one of our most important markets in Africa, and this collaboration with Finchglow Holidays will further strengthen that relationship. Ethiopia is more than a stopover; it’s a destination worth discovering deeply. From UNESCO heritage sites to breathtaking landscapes, we want travellers to take their time and truly experience our country,” Mekonnen stated.
As part of the partnership, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed. The first was between Ethiopian Holidays and Finchglow Holidays to provide packages, excursions, and flights, while the second involved Ethiopian authorities and Finchglow Holidays to streamline visa procedures for Nigerian travellers.
The Group Managing Director of Finchglow Holdings, Bankole Bernard, described the alliance as a clear reflection of the company’s mission to drive innovation in the African tourism industry. Bernard said the company has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of tourism development in Nigeria and across Africa.
“This partnership solidifies Finchglow Holidays’ position as Nigeria’s leading tour operator and reflects our unwavering commitment to driving innovation in the travel and tourism sector. By joining forces with Ethiopian Holidays, we are delivering fresh, world-class experiences to our clients while contributing meaningfully to the growth and competitiveness of Africa’s aviation ecosystem,” Bernard said.
Industry analysts believe this partnership could help boost trade and tourism between Nigeria and Ethiopia while strengthening cultural and economic ties. Ethiopia, with its UNESCO heritage sites such as Lalibela’s rock-hewn churches and its stunning natural attractions like the Simien Mountains, presents opportunities for Nigerian travellers to explore diverse destinations beyond the conventional travel circuits.
The move also comes at a time when Africa’s aviation and tourism industries are seeking recovery and growth following global disruptions in recent years. By combining convenient travel options, simplified visa processes, and tailored holiday packages, Finchglow Holidays and Ethiopian Airlines aim to offer Nigerian tourists a more seamless travel experience that showcases Africa’s unique offerings.
With Nigeria being a key outbound travel market in Africa, this partnership could also set the tone for more cross-border collaborations aimed at boosting intra-African tourism and reducing reliance on long-haul destinations outside the continent.
Finchglow Holidays and Ethiopian Airlines said the initiative is not just about promoting tourism but also about deepening ties between two of Africa’s largest economies, creating jobs in the travel industry, and positioning Africa as a destination of choice for global travellers.
