GTA, NTDA, and Lagos Tourism Board Foster Engagement at Major Hospitality Conference
Hospitality professionals from across Africa gathered to engage in meaningful networking and discussions at this year’s Hotel Managers Conference Africa, showcasing the dynamic nature of the sector. The two-day event, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel for the third consecutive year, attracted over 2,000 attendees under the theme “Raising the Level of Sales, Service, and Standards for a Competitive Africa.”
Highlighting Industry Growth and Development
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, CEO of Tojum Hospitality and the conference organizer, reflected on the event’s evolution through its 8th edition. He noted how the conference has consistently guided hotel managers and owners toward enhanced service delivery, facility management, and sustainable investment within the hospitality industry. Sunday expressed gratitude to stakeholders for their ongoing support, which has propelled the conference from a local focus to a pan-African initiative.
Rich Learning Opportunities and Expert Insights
Attendees benefited from a wealth of knowledge through master classes, discussion panels, and keynote addresses. Professor Wasiu Babalola, a featured speaker, presented his insights on “The Future of Hospitality in Africa: Competition Across Borders.” He indicated that forthcoming competition in the sector will depend increasingly on intelligence, innovation, and overall guest experience rather than merely room availability.
Competitive Priorities for the Hospitality Sector
During his address, Babalola highlighted five key priorities essential for a competitive hospitality landscape in Africa. These include strategic partnerships, professional leadership, service excellence, harmonized standards, and digital transformation. His extensive background in the sector, spanning roles from waiter to professor, adds weight to his expert perspectives.
Innovative Financial Solutions Shine at the Conference
Headline sponsor OPay utilized the conference as a platform to showcase its financial services and innovative payment solutions tailored for the hospitality industry. Other sponsors, including Huawei, Lagos Continental Hotel, Nigeria Bottling Company, and Presken, contributed to the event’s success.
Encouraging Regional Collaboration and Tourism Growth
The conference marked a significant shift with the participation of Maame Efua Wajeto, CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority, who led the Ghanaian delegation. In her address, Wajeto emphasized the need for collaboration among West African hospitality stakeholders to enhance investment, improve service standards, and create unified tourism marketing strategies. She encouraged Nigeria to leverage its film industry strength to reshape Africa’s narrative while urging neighboring countries to support initiatives aligned with their unique expertise.
Commitment to Sustained Tourism Development
Mr. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Secretary for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, acknowledged the conference’s draw of participants from across Africa. He pointed to consistent investments that have positioned Lagos as Nigeria’s prime tourism destination. Benson-Awoyinka expressed the state’s openness to collaborations that enhance the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector’s growth, underscoring the potential economic impact of such initiatives.
Recognition and Awards in the Hospitality Sector
Olayiwola Awokan, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority, expressed enthusiasm over the diverse representation from various African nations at the conference. He noted the government’s encouragement of tourism development through supportive policies. The event also featured other significant moments, including a graduation ceremony for Hotel Managers School students and the presentation of awards to industry leaders and organizations.
