Wakanow Welcomes Future Entertainment Leaders
On Friday, July 5th, 2024, Wakanow, leading travel management company in Nigeria, hosted a group of guests – the top 11 students from the Creative Industries Initiatives for Africa (CIIFA) Music Business Academy for Africa (MBA) programme.
The visit was designed to provide the aspiring music industry leaders with first-hand experience of the workings of a successful travel and booking technology company.
The CIIFA students were received by Wakanow Nigeria CEO, Adenike Macaulay, who engaged them in a conversation about the role that travel management companies play within the entertainment industry. This discussion covered the importance of travel for artists, performers and event planners. It also covered the ways that travel management companies can streamline the often-complex logistics of travel for these busy professionals.
Following the conversation, the CIIFA students were taken on a guided tour of the Wakanow headquarters. The tour encompassed various departments including:
HQ Travel Centre (HQTC): While Wakanow thrives online, it prioritizes serving all customers however they prefer. The HQTC, the physical travel centre located at Wakanow’s headquarters, exemplifies this commitment.
Studio: The CIIFA students learned about the creative process behind crafting engaging content that inspires people to travel. Seeing this department firsthand highlighted Wakanow’s understanding of the importance of imagery and storytelling in today’s travel market.
Corporate Unit: This unit houses the core operations that services corporate travel clients across Nigeria. It is the unit that services the travel needs of the CIIFA that the visiting student professionals belong to.
Prime Unit: Catering to Wakanow’s high-value clients, the Prime Unit includes celebrities, business executives, and other discerning travelers. The students witnessed the special services and attention to detail offered to these clients, showcasing Wakanow’s ability to cater to a wide range of travelers and its commitment to providing exceptional service.
Commercial and Marketing Units: The students learned about Wakanow’s sales and marketing strategies in this department. They saw firsthand how the company builds profitable partnerships that helps deliver exceptional service to Wakanow customers. Understanding these commercial aspects provided them with valuable insights into the business side of the travel industry.
IT and Finance: A peek into the IT department revealed the unseen infrastructure that keeps Wakanow’s technology operational 24/7. The students learned about data security and the importance of robust systems in ensuring a seamless travel booking experience for clients. Finance, on the other hand, shed light on Wakanow’s financial health and its commitment to responsible business practices.
Call Centre: The visit culminated at the heart of Wakanow’s customer service operation – West Africa’s largest travel industry call centre. Interacting with call center representatives, the CIIFA students witnessed the importance of providing prompt, helpful, and professional service to clients. This solidified Wakanow’s image as a company that prioritizes customer satisfaction.
This comprehensive tour gave the students a well-rounded view of Wakanow’s operations, from the creative and technical aspects to the customer service side of the business.
Adenike Macaulay’s interaction with the CIIFA students and her emphasis on the importance of promoting tourism within Nigeria and Africa were both highlights of the visit. Her enthusiasm for nurturing the next generation of entertainment professionals reflects Wakanow’s commitment to giving back to the community and fostering the growth of the African creative industry.
Feedback from the CIIFA Students
The visit to Wakanow wasn’t all information sharing. The CIIFA students came away with valuable takeaways that resonated with their career aspirations in the music industry.
Festus Boahen Aboagye, a Metadata Specialist and Music Coder/Software Engineer on the program, commented on Wakanow’s dynamic structure: “Wakanow is a company with a fluid organisational structure focusing beyond its core services like cheap flights to London and has expanded to include supporting industries that need services beyond travel.” This observation highlights Wakanow’s adaptability and its potential as a partner for the ever-evolving creative industries.
Fagboro Oluwakemi, an Artist on the program, gained practical insights for her future career. “My thoughts on the visit to the Wakanow Group facility are extremely positive,” she shared. “I was blown away by the efficiency of the call center team. Seeing so many people working together to meet the needs of customers was truly amazing.” Oluwakemi further stated, “As an artist aiming to embark on musical tours in the nearest future, I realize that Wakanow’s services will be crucial in ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience for my team and I. I look forward to collaborating with Wakanow to make my musical endeavors a huge success.”
This exposure not only benefits the students, but also amplifies the Wakanow brand as a leader that is innovative, customer-centric, and committed to excellence across all its operations. The future of entertainment in Africa is bright, and Wakanow seems poised to play a key role in its success.
