Travel/Tourism
Nigeria Records 54.7% Rise in International Flight Departures

By Dipo Olowookere
In 2021, the number of international flight departures through the Nigerian airports increased by 54.7 per cent to 1,109,525 from 717,261 in 2020, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
In its Air Transportation Data for the full-year 2021, the stats office said the number of arrivals of international passengers into the country rose to 1,109,621 from the 690,765 achieved in 2020.
Analysis of the data by Business Post showed that as for the departure for international flights, the Murtala International Airport in Lagos was the major route for exit from Nigeria, recording 807,648 and was followed by the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport in Abuja with 275,086.
As for arrivals, the Lagos Airport also topped with 787,874 and was trailed by the Abuja Airport with 289,976, and the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 19,804, while the Maiduguri International Airport, Borno State, recorded only 50 arrivals and 18 departures in one year.
In the year, according to the NBS, the total number of international passengers who passed through Nigerian airports stood at 2,219,146 as against the 1,408,026 passengers in 2020, representing a 57.61 per cent growth rate.
As for the total number of domestic passengers through the airports in the country last year, the stats office said it stood at 13,006,481 as against the 9,069,295 recorded in 2020, implying a 43.41 per cent growth rate.
A breakdown showed that the number of arrivals in 2021 stood at 6,533,740, which was higher compared to the 4,870,072 posted a year earlier, while the departure stood at 6,472,741 in 2021 compared with the 4,199,223 achieved in 2020.
Unlike with the international flights, the Abuja airport recorded the highest arrivals and departures at 2,363,210 and 2,395,633 respectively, followed by Lagos with 2,083,568 and 2,010,144 apiece.
The Port Harcourt airport recorded 457,860 domestic arrivals in the year under review and 442,868 domestic departures. The airport in Owerri, Imo State, recorded 289,997 arrivals and 293,467 departures, the Kano airport reported 274,172 arrivals and 271,577 departures, while the Enugu airport posted 255,855 arrivals and 252,658 departures, with the Benin airport achieving 216,503 arrivals and 216,514 departures in the period under consideration.
Travel/Tourism
Spanish Withdrawal to Fuel Demand for Greek Golden Visas

The latest forecast from Astons, suggests that the number of applicants looking to secure a Greek Golden Visa in 2024 is set to increase for the fourth consecutive year.
Astons has analysed data around the number of Greek Golden Visa applications submitted on an annual basis between 2019 and November 2024, before forecasting what 2024’s annual application total is set to be once December’s numbers are accounted for.
The analysis reveals that 2024 finished on a high when it comes to demand for Greek Golden Visas.
By November, the estimated total number of applications stood at 8,059, with Aston’s analysis revealing that 995 were submitted in October alone, 914 submitted in November, and a forecasted total of 778 submitted in December.
2024’s enormous demand for Greek Golden Visas was driven by investors looking to get in ahead of significant changes implemented to the scheme which increased the minimum investment threshold to €800,000 across the entire Athenian Riviera, Thessaloniki, and all major islands.
This isn’t the first time that changes to the Greek Golden Visa programme have resulted in surging levels of demand.
In 2023, Greece raised the threshold for real estate investment from €250,000 to €500,000 in the most attractive and developed regions of the country, including all of central Athens. However, in the Athenian Riviera, certain areas retained a threshold of €250,000, such as the Piraeus region.
As a result of this change, 2022 saw an annual increase of 118.5% in the number of Golden Visa applications, followed by a further +94.8% increase in 2023.
Who is driving demand for Greek Golden Visas?
The high demand for Greek Golden Visas over the past two years in particular is being driven by wealthy US citizens looking to spread their risks and opportunities beyond the borders of North America, with demand being particularly influenced by the increased investment thresholds implemented in 2024.
Astons estimates that Greece is the focus of at least 50% of all Golden Visa applications by US citizens, with investors drawn to the country by the lifestyle offering, not to mention the attractive minimum investment contribution – for which investors get five years of residency for the whole family with a right to renew at the end of that term.
Furthermore, Greece currently has one of Europe’s most lucrative property markets and best performing economies.
Citizenship, residence permit, and real estate investment expert for Astons, Alena Lesina, commented:
“Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that demand for Greek golden visas will remain robust despite the recent changes made. This is because it is still possible to purchase real estate and obtain a residency permit for as little as €250,000, even in the very heart of Athens, provided that the property in question is converted from commercial use to residential. As such, we’re seeing a lot of developers now buying old hotels and office buildings and transforming them into modern residential complexes, complete with stunning swimming pools and terraces.
Another reason to expect further growth in demand for Greek visas in 2025 is the fact that Spain is about to close its own Golden Visa programme which was itself hugely popular. With Spain no longer available to expats, it’s reasonable to expect that Greece, with its similar lifestyle offering and even more affordable accessibility, will become the focus of their attention.”
Travel/Tourism
Emirates Fetes Customers With Luxury Champagne, Menu

In the heart of Emirates’ busiest lounge in Dubai – the Concourse B Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport, sits a one-of-kind experience – the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge.
Continuing Emirates and Moët Hennessy’s longstanding partnership of 32 years, the latest collaboration features a newly designed champagne and canapés pairing menu, curated over several months by Emirates master chefs and champagne experts from the house of Moët & Chandon.
Created and constructed exclusively for Emirates, the elegant Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge features an eye-catching golden wave design adorned with 2,400 intricate gold leaves applied individually by hand.
Within the lounge, four of the finest Moët & Chandon champagnes are available, with latest collection launched last month featuring Moët & Chandon Impérial, Rosé Impérial, Nectar Impérial and Grand Vintage 2013.
Before boarding a flight, Emirates customers are invited to relax in the lounge, and transform their waiting time into a learning experience and exploration of the pairing of iconic champagne and meticulously crafted cuisine. Customers will be able to sample and explore the pairings, which were crafted based on three principles;
Minimalist ingredients with maximum impact – Emirates chefs prioritized using high-quality, seasonal ingredients to create a symphony of flavours without overwhelming the palate.
This approach allows the natural notes of the champagne to shine through and creates a more balanced dining experience, like the signature foie gras offering which features only three components: brioche, foie gras, and fig. This allows each ingredient to play its part, highlighting the richness of the foie gras with the sweetness of the fig and the buttery base of the brioche.
Flavour harmony – Emirates and Moët & Chandon have carefully considered the flavour profiles of both the champagne and the canapés, ensuring they complement each other seamlessly, like incorporating berries or citrus that echo the fruit notes in the champagne, or balancing creamy textures with a touch of acidity.
Visual appeal – The pairing experts from Emirates and Moët & Chandon believe food should be a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds and took pride in crafting visually stunning canapés that are meticulously arranged and plated, adding to the immersive experience.
The first Champagne guests are invited to sample is Moët Impérial Brut. With a striking nose of green apple and citrus, followed by mineral freshness and white flowers – this champagne is cellared for 24 months. It offers the blonde nuances of brioche, grains and fresh nuts, and its fine bubbles and subtle palate lends itself perfectly to seafood and pronounced acidity tempered by fat.
Emirates has paired Moët Impérial Brut with four individual dishes, which are served throughout the month; Salmon tiradito on calamansi leche de tigre, Grilled Obsiblue shrimps, watermelon and feta salad, Tuna tartare with fresh orange segment, or Scallop tataki.
The second Champagne featured is Moët Rosé Impérial, cellared for 21 months and offering an intense bouquet of red fruits, rose petals and florals, underscored by a hint of pepper. This cuvée pairs perfectly with colourful summer vegetables and fresh green herbs.
Emirates recommends trying Moët Impérial Rosé with four paired dishes, served throughout the month; Beetroot moutabel with akawi cheese and pine seeds, Fennel infused spinach and asparagus dip with grilled asparagus and yuzu pearls, Beetroot tartare with sesame seeds and dill or Bocconcini cheese with basil infused green melon and pine seeds.
The third recommended Champagne is the memorable Moët Grand Vintage 2013. Grand Vintage 2013 is a unique cuvée, benefitting from 7 years in the cellar and presenting soft autumnal notes, followed by a palate of ripe pear, grapefruit and toasted nuts. To enhance the delicacy of the Champagne, Emirates master chefs have paired Moët Grand Vintage 2013 with four bespoke dishes, served throughout the month; Foie gras on toasted brioche with fresh fig and Maldon salt, Duck rillette with chive mayonnaise, Foie gras on toasted brioche with quince and Maldon salt and Foie gras on toasted brioche with passionfruit, mango and Maldon salt.
The final Champagne featured in the pairing menu is the unique Moët Nectar Impérial, cellared for 18 months and featuring flavours of pineapple, mango, plum and apricot with a dash of vanilla. Ideally served with a sweet and fruity dessert, Emirates is serving Nectar Impérial with four dessert canapés, served throughout the month; Tropical crème, Mango trifle, Lemon cream pannacotta, and Blueberry cheesecake.
Access to the Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge and new pairing menu is complimentary for all guests of the Concourse B Business Class Lounge in Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport.
Travel/Tourism
Landmark Group to Operate Nike Lake Resort Enugu for 35 Years

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A deal has been sealed between the Enugu State government and the Landmark Group for the transformation of the Nike Lake Resort Hotel.
The company, owned by serial investor, Mr Paul Onwuanibe, will revamp the facility and operate for 35 years on lease.
The Governor of Enugu State, Mr Peter Mbah, expressed optimism that Landmark Group would use the hotel to boost tourism sector of the state.
He explained that his administration decided to work with Mr Onwuanibe’s organisation as part of his commitment to transforming Enugu into a global destination for investment and tourism, noting that Nike Lake Resort remains a key government asset that need efficient management to flourish.
“Nike Lake Resort is not just a hotel; it is a symbol of Enugu’s hospitality and tourism potential.
“This partnership reflects our vision to create an environment that fosters investment, job creation, and economic growth,” Mr Mbah remarked.
The Governor said Nike Lake Resort Hotel could position Enugu as a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors while boosting the state’s economic development.
On his part, Mr Onwuanibe expressed gratitude for the opportunity to manage the iconic hotel and assured the government of delivering world-class services.
He also emphasized the potential of the hotel to serve as a major tourism hub, creating employment opportunities for the youth and revitalizing Enugu’s tourism sector.
While signing the deal with the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mrs Adaora Chukwu, the Landmark Group boss said the initiative should boost the local economy and attract approximately 3 million visitors annually.
Recall that in 2024, the popular beach resort operated by Landmark Group in Lagos was demolished by the federal government to make way for the controversial Lagos to Calabar Coastal Road.
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