Economy
How Self Catering Holidays Are Changing the Business of Travel
The travel industry is evolving rapidly as more people seek personalized and flexible experiences. One trend that has gained remarkable traction is the rise of self catering holidays. Unlike traditional hotel stays where guests rely heavily on in house services, self catering allows travelers to manage their own meals and schedules while enjoying the comfort of a fully equipped space. This shift is not only reshaping tourism but also influencing how businesses in the hospitality sector operate.
At its core, self catering provides independence. Travelers rent accommodations that come with kitchens and other home like amenities, giving them the freedom to prepare meals, set their own dining times, and live at their own pace. For the modern traveler who values control and convenience, this approach offers a refreshing alternative to structured vacation packages. It combines the best aspects of home living with the excitement of exploring new destinations.
The economic appeal of self catering is significant. For families or groups, eating out for every meal can quickly become expensive. Having the ability to prepare food reduces costs dramatically while still allowing travelers to explore local restaurants at their own pace. This cost effectiveness has made self catering a popular option among budget conscious travelers and also for business travelers who often need longer stays and value practicality over luxury.
Cultural immersion is another reason behind the popularity of self catering. Visiting local markets, purchasing fresh produce, and experimenting with regional recipes creates an authentic connection to the destination. Tourists are no longer passive consumers but active participants in the culture they are visiting. This deeper engagement enhances the overall travel experience and often leaves lasting memories that go beyond sightseeing.
From a business perspective, self catering is reshaping accommodation strategies. Property owners, hoteliers, and real estate investors are adapting by offering short term rentals and furnished apartments that cater to this demand. Online booking platforms have made it easier for travelers to find such options, which has intensified competition in the hospitality industry. Businesses that once focused solely on traditional hotel services are now diversifying their offerings to include self catering units to remain competitive.
For corporate travel, the self catering model provides practical advantages. Business professionals on extended assignments often prefer accommodations with kitchens and living spaces because they offer comfort, privacy, and cost savings compared to hotels. Companies are recognizing these benefits and incorporating self catering stays into their travel policies, which not only reduces expenses but also improves employee satisfaction.
Health and wellness trends have also supported the rise of self catering. Travelers are increasingly aware of what they eat, and having the ability to cook their own meals allows them to maintain healthier diets while on the road. For those with dietary restrictions or specific nutrition goals, this flexibility is invaluable. Businesses in the wellness and food sectors are benefiting too, as travelers actively seek local, organic, and sustainable products during their stays.
Technology has played a vital role in the growth of self catering. With the help of online booking platforms, virtual tours, and customer reviews, travelers can easily choose properties that meet their exact needs. This transparency has increased consumer confidence, driving more people toward self catering options. At the same time, property managers are using digital tools to streamline check ins, manage bookings, and enhance customer service, further improving the experience.
Sustainability is another important factor. Preparing meals in self catering accommodations reduces reliance on single use packaging and lowers food waste. Environmentally conscious travelers see this as a more responsible way of experiencing the world. Businesses that highlight eco friendly practices in their self catering offerings are gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly environmentally aware market.
In conclusion, self catering holidays are not just a passing trend. They represent a structural shift in how people want to travel, blending independence, cost efficiency, cultural connection, and sustainability. For businesses, this evolution presents both challenges and opportunities. Those willing to adapt, innovate, and cater to the modern traveler will find themselves at the forefront of this growing movement. The future of travel is flexible, and self catering is at the heart of that transformation.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange further appreciated by 0.23 per cent on Thursday, April 23, with the Unlisted Security Index (NSI) adding 8.99 points to close at 3,969.96 points against the previous day’s 3,968 points.
The rise in the share price of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc by N2.86 to N69.34 per unit from N66.48 per unit raised the market capitalisation of the NASD bourse by N5.38 billion to N2.380 trillion from N2.375 trillion.
Yesterday, there were two price losers, led by Food Concepts Plc, which lost 29 Kobo to sell at N2.65 per share versus N2.94 per share, while UBN Property Plc dipped by 22 Kobo to N2.03 per unit from N2.25 per unit.
During the session, the volume of securities traded declined by 97.9 per cent to 451,522 units from 21.5 million units on Wednesday, the value of securities depreciated by 52.32 per cent to N23.6 million from N49.5 million, and the number of deals depreciated by 3.6 per cent to 27 deals from 28 deals.
At the close of business, Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Plc remained the most active stock by value on a year-to-date basis with 3.4 billion units valued at N8.4 billion, followed by CSCS Plc with 59.5 million units exchanged for N4.0 billion, and Okitipupa Plc with 27.8 million units traded for N1.9 billion.
GNI Plc also closed the day as the most traded stock by volume on a year-to-date basis with 3.4 billion units worth N8.4 billion, trailed by Resourcery Plc with 1.1 billion units transacted for N415.7 million, and Infrastructure Guarantee Credit Plc with 400 million units sold for N1.2 billion.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Fresh foreign exchange (forex) demand pressure saw the Naira depreciate against the United States Dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX) on Thursday, April 22, by N5.46 or 0.4 per cent to trade at N1,353.91/$1 compared with the preceding day’s value of N1,348.45/$1.
It was the same outcome for the local currency in the official market after it depreciated against the Pound Sterling by N4.13 to close at N1,825.88/£1, in contrast to the preceding session’s N1,821.75/£1, and against the Euro, it dropped 72 Kobo to finish at N1,582.72/€1 versus N1,582.00/€1.
But the Nigerian Naira appreciated against the US Dollar at the GTBank FX desk by N2 during the session to quote at N1,361/$1 compared with Wednesday’s closing price of N1,361/$1, and at the parallel market, it closed flat at N1,375/$1.
FX Pressure came as data showed that NFEM interbank turnover was N28.117 million, lower than the N66.084 million recorded the previous day.
Concerns over liquidity pressures, policy transparency, and confidence in Nigeria’s FX market continue to grip the market while the country’s foreign reserve declines further, even as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently said that the recent decline in Nigeria’s external reserves should not be a cause for concern.
Global developments also played a significant role, as rising geopolitical tensions boosted demand for the US Dollar, further weakening emerging market currencies, including the Naira.
As for the cryptocurrency market, there was a mixed outcome as traders reacted to rising geopolitical tensions from the Iran war and fresh inflation data from Japan.
Japanese inflation ticked higher in March, stoking expectations that the Bank of Japan may soon signal rate hikes, which could strengthen the yen and unsettle global risk assets.
The Iran conflict has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, raising energy costs and inflation risks worldwide and potentially complicating efforts by the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates.
Ethereum (ETH) declined by 1.8 per cent to $2,316.53, Bitcoin (BTC) lost 0.6 per cent to sell at $77,935.53, Solana (SOL) fell by 0.5 per cent to $85.67, and Binance Coin (BNB) dropped 0.4 per cent to sell for $634.85.
However, Dogecoin (DOGE) appreciated by 1.4 per cent to $0.0976, Ripple (XRP) grew by 0.7 per cent to $1.43, Cardano (ADA) expanded by 0.6 per cent to $0.2493, and TRON (TRX) improved by 0.2 per cent to $0.3279, while the US Dollar Tether (USDT) and the US Dollar Coin (USDC) traded flat at $1.00 each.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The resilience shown by Nigerian Breweries Plc in the 2025 fiscal year, despite a volatile macroeconomic environment, which consumed several businesses, has not got without notice.
Shareholders of the brewery giant applauded the board and management for the strong recovery and improved profitability recorded in the year.
At the company’s 80th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Lagos, they attributed these achievements to disciplined cost management and a significant reduction in finance expenses.
“We are proud of how the company has withstood the ups and downs of a challenging environment. The return to profitability and the reversal of the negative cash position recorded in the previous two financial years are commendable,” a member of the Noble Shareholders Association, Mr Owolabi Opeyemi, said at the gathering.
Also, the immediate past Secretary of the Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Mr Eke Emmanuel, noted that the company’s resilience reflects strong leadership and a sound strategic direction.
“It is good news that we have been here for 80 years. There is no reason why we will not be here for the next 80 years with what we have achieved. To return to this level of profitability and cash position shows the Board has done an enormous amount of work,” he said.
Addressing investors at the AGM, the board chairman, Mrs Juliet Anammah, expressed confidence that the company is firmly on a recovery path following the net losses recorded in the past two years due to macroeconomic pressures and fiscal reforms.
She thanked shareholders for their continued support and reaffirmed that the company will build on its 2025 performance as it accelerates growth ambitions.
“We have a solid foundation built over eight decades, anchored on a strong portfolio of brands, an extensive nationwide sales and supply chain network, ongoing digital transformation, and most importantly, our people. These strengths remain critical to sustaining our leadership position,” the former chief executive of Jumia Nigeria said.
Ms Anammah also addressed the company’s dividend position, noting that the decision not to declare a dividend reflects the need to rebuild retained earnings impacted by prior macroeconomic shocks, particularly foreign exchange-related losses.
“We recognise the importance of dividend payments to our shareholders and sincerely appreciate your continued understanding. While we are not declaring a dividend at this time due to negative retained earnings, we are working diligently to restore the company’s financial position and return to dividend payments as soon as it is sustainable to do so,” she added.
She further noted that the board remains vigilant to external risks, including the Middle East crisis and broader macroeconomic challenges, which may impact the pace of improvement in the 2026 financial year.
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