Omisande Victor serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of both Alarinnka Tourism and Adventure and Alarinnka Transport and Logistics.
His companies specialize in delivering exceptional travel experiences, organizing seamless vacations, holidays, and group trips to extraordinary destinations. We had the pleasure of discussing his journey as an entrepreneur and SME operator in Nigeria. Enjoy the interview.
Can you tell us about the origin of the name Alarinka?
The name was an inspiration from God. When I was looking for a name for my business, I prayed for guidance. I woke up with the name ‘Alarinka’ in my mind, which means ‘people that move from one place to the other’.
Initially, some saw it negatively as ‘wanderers’, but we’ve changed that narrative to mean wanderers who bring wealth. It’s a name that reflects our mission and the nature of our services.
In business, there are numerous challenges one has to face. How do you perceive these challenges?
In our line of work, we don’t call them challenges; we call them experiences. One of the biggest challenges we face in the travel industry right now is exchange rates. Imagine you collect money from clients in Naira, but we deal in dollars. If I collected money from you at a rate of 1,000 Naira to $1 and then had to exchange it at 1,200 Naira, it becomes a significant issue.
Besides exchange rates, what other challenges do you encounter?
Troublesome clients are another challenge we face a lot. Our business is tricky because when clients pay us for travel, we use that money to make necessary arrangements booking flights, hotels, etc.
Sometimes, a week before the trip, clients cancel, asking for refunds. We’ve even been taken to court over this, but we’ve always won due to our clear refund policies. Unlike abroad, where once you pay for a hotel, it’s non-refundable, many in Nigeria don’t follow this principle.
How do you handle requests for refunds?
We don’t do refunds. If a client pays us, they need to understand that the money is used for bookings. If you change your mind, we can’t just refund the money because it’s already spent on your arrangements. We make this clear upfront think well before you pay.
How do you deal with unpredictable factors like exchange rates and global events?
It’s tough. For instance, during COVID-19, the travel industry was hit hard. Borders were closed, flights were canceled, and we faced many restrictions. Exchange rates in Nigeria are also not stable, making it difficult to set consistent prices. We have to adapt and negotiate with clients, ensuring they understand that prices may change.
What makes Alarinka sustainable and resilient?
It hasn’t been easy. We have a lot of competitors, but our quality of service is top-notch. We give our clients 100% value for their money. This commitment to quality ensures our business is sustainable. Our goal is to become a household name, synonymous with reliable travel services in Nigeria.
What are your expectations for the future?
In the next few years, we want Alarinka to be on the lips of everyone. We aim to be the go-to name in the travel industry in Nigeria. Despite factors beyond our control, like fluctuating exchange rates and government policies, we strive to offer consistent and reliable services.
What advice do you have for aspiring travel entrepreneurs?
Be passionate. This industry has many challenges. I’ve faced insults, humiliation, and even attempted suicide due to financial struggles. Passion keeps you going through tough times. Always put your clients first and be prepared for the ups and downs. The travel industry is not just about money; it’s about resilience and dedication.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us.
In this interview, we gain insights into the travel industry’s complexities and the determination required to navigate it successfully. Alarinka stands as a beacon of resilience, commitment, and unwavering passion in the face of numerous challenges.
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