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Tag: hospitality

  • Lagos is digitizing registration processes for hospitality sector, says commissioner

    Lagos is digitizing registration processes for hospitality sector, says commissioner

    Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture in Lagos, has announced the state’s initiative to digitalise registration procedures within the hospitality sector.

    This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ engagement held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island.

    The event, themed “Addressing current industry challenges, exploring emerging trends, understanding policy frameworks and unveiling collaborative opportunities within the entire hospitality value chain,” brought together key figures from the tourism and hospitality sectors.

    During her address, Benson-Awoyinka underscored the significance of the hospitality industry in Lagos State’s economic growth.

    She emphasized its role in job creation and its function as a platform for showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant arts scene.

    “We are aware of the significant challenges our industry faces,” said the Commissioner, referencing the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, evolving customer expectations, and increased competition.

    “This gathering is an opportunity to address these challenges head-on and adapt to the changing landscape by embracing new technologies and sustainable practices.” 

    Benson-Awoyinka outlined several key trends reshaping the hospitality sector, including digital transformation, eco-tourism, and personalised customer experiences. She stressed the importance of staying ahead of these trends to remain competitive and relevant.

    The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for the hospitality sector. 

    This includes continuous review of policy frameworks to support growth, innovation, and sustainability, as well as improvements in infrastructure and security.

    “We are digitizing our registration processes to make the industry data-driven,” she announced. “This not only supports growth and expansion but also enhances the security of lives and property within and around hospitality establishments. We seek your cooperation in this important exercise.”

    Highlighting the importance of collaboration, Benson-Awoyinka called for unified efforts across the entire value chain, from local artisans to hoteliers, travel agencies, and transport providers. “By working together, we can create a seamless and memorable experience for tourists, enhancing Lagos as a prime destination.”

    She also addressed the need to curb drugs, vices, and environmental nuisances to maintain a safe and attractive environment for visitors. 

    Read Also: Summit on hospitality, tourism education

    The event featured expert panel discussions focusing on critical topics such as “Enhancing Compliance in the Hospitality Sector” and “Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening Collaborative Efforts.”

    These sessions provided a platform for practitioners to engage with government officials and industry leaders, sharing insights and exploring new partnerships. In her concluding remarks, Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka encouraged active participation in the discussions and underscored the value of feedback in shaping the future of tourism in Lagos state.

    “Together, we can overcome the challenges, harness the opportunities, and set new benchmarks for excellence.”

    She called for continued dedication and commitment to the growth and success of Lagos state’s vibrant hospitality.

  • Why international hospitality business operations should be localized 

    Why international hospitality business operations should be localized 

    The management of Bon Hotel Octagon has urged stakeholders in the hospitality sector to prioritize localizing their operations within the country to foster domestic growth and development, thus enhancing competitiveness on the international stage.

    The hotel advocates for de-emphasizing the dollarization of operations for international hotel brands in the country, suggesting instead charging in the local currency, the Naira, to support the government’s efforts in revitalizing the economy.

    Speaking to the media in Abuja on Friday regarding the upcoming unveiling of Bon Hotel Octagon’s flagship in Abuja, Sandra Ogbahor, the Deputy Director of Commercial and Special Duties, Bon Hotels International (West Africa) emphasized the significance of collaborating with the government to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.

    She stated that Bon Hotels’ collaboration with the government since its establishment in Nigeria a decade ago has led to the development of 27 hotels across 10 states, with an additional 38 currently in progress.

    According to her, the hotel’s goal is to expand to 95 hotels within a few years, aiming to cover all 36 states of the nation.

    She also noted that the flagship Octagon, boasting 225 rooms, is scheduled to be unveiled on February 14, 2024, while revealing that the 225-room flagship Octagon is billed for unveiling on the 14th of February, 2024.

    Ogbahor emphasized that the Bon brand takes pride in supporting local economic development initiatives and complying with government regulations and standards, all while contributing to the growth of the local economy and expertise.

    She said: “BON Hotels have employed and groomed a significant number of Nigerians by contributing to the development by mentoring local talent and career development for this reason we took it upon.

    “As an International brand, we have been intentional in supporting investors to ensure the product comes out right during the pre-construction and opening phase.

    “Ours is the only international hospitality group to charge fees in local currency, Naira in Nigeria, in addition to selecting and endorsing a hospitality training institute that trains Nigerians at all levels with international accreditation.

    “Also, we are the only international hotel group to be affiliated to a local technology company to ensure that cutting-edge hospitality technology and other IT solutions are indeed optimal, naira- driven and easy to maintain”.

    While acknowledging the government’s efforts to encourage more foreign direct investment (FDI), including tax holidays for new companies, Ogbahor urged the government to address infrastructure challenges that significantly impact returns on investment.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Hospitality manager pledges to assist  Plateau govt 

    “The government is putting in place mechanisms to ensure the organization’s longevity by fostering a favourable business environment, providing support for businesses, and promoting economic stability and growth, however, we look forward to more collaborations with the government to enhance good business opportunities.

    “I must commend the government for Tax holiday for new hotels as this will help give the business time to grow.
    “Some challenges investors face in expanding in Nigeria include bureaucratic hurdles, infrastructure deficits, security concerns and taxation. 

    “We are advocating for the government to streamline administrative processes, improve infrastructure, and enhance security measures to create a more conducive environment for business expansion”, Ogbahor added.

  • ‘Explore opportunities in hospitality industry’

    The Managing Proprietor and Director of Studies,  Victory Institute of Catering and Hotel Management in Ikeja, Lagos, Dr. Christian Ipoola Olaniyan, has advised  those studying  Hotel and Catering Management to explore the opportunities that abound in the country.

    Speaking ahead of the matriculation  and graduation ceremony of the school which holds May 4  at Victory High School’s play ground,  Abule Onigbagbo, Ikeja, he said the school wouldl also launch its development fund, which is expected to begin at 11AM.

    According to Olaniyan, the institute has produced thousands of qualified students both male and female who are now doing well in big time hotels in Lagos and beyond. While many of them are also running their own catering establishment with a lot of progress and the management is very proud of them.

    Olaniyan advised the students to take catering profession courses seriously , adding that it is a very lucrative job now in Nigeria, because big time hospitalities are springing up everyday in order to meet high rate of patronage in major cities.

  • Hospitality: Firm to open ninth property in Nigeria

    Multinational hotel brand Marriott International, Inc. said it is on track to open the Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom State, this year. It will be its ninth property in Nigeria.

    Marriott International, based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, encompasses a portfolio of more than 6, 900 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 130 countries and territories.

    The company, which operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world, said it expects to grow its current footprint in West Africa by 75 per cent with the addition of nine new hotels and more than 1, 800 rooms by the end of 2023.

    Currently operating 12 properties across Nigeria, Ghana, Mali and Guinea, Marriott International plans to enter Benin and Ivory Coast as a part of its development pipeline.

    In 2019, the company said it is on-track to open the Four Points by Sheraton Ikot Ekpene, its ninth property in Nigeria, and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Accra Kotoka Airport in Ghana.

    This announcement came as the international hotel brand said it continues with its expansion across Africa with three new deal signings across North and West Africa, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its presence across the continent.

    The company in a statement made available to The Nation during the weekend said the new deal signings highlight its growth in Morocco and Ghana, while marking its debut in Liberia.

    The signings were announced during the Forum de l’Investissement Hôtelier Africain in Marrakech, Morocco. The Forum unites North and West African countries in a bid to develop their economies and support hospitality investment.

    The Forum connects business leaders from international and local markets – driving investment into tourism projects, infrastructure, entertainment and hotel development across the region.

    “New and established markets across North and West Africa continue to present us with immence opportunities to further enhance and diversify our portfolio in the continent,” Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa at Marriott International, Jerome Briet, said.

    Briet further said: “The new deal signings further strengthen our robust development pipeline, which is a result of our long-established presence in Africa and the trust owners have in Marriott International and our compelling portfolio of diverse brands.”

    The three new hotel signings announced during the Forum de l’Investissement Hôtelier Africain include Four Points by Sheraton Monrovia, Residence Inn by Marriott Accra Kotoka Airport, The St. Regis Marrakech Resort.

    Marriott International, which targets strong growth momentum across North and West Africa, said it is on track to expand its footprint in Africa to 200 hotels by the end of 2023. The North and West African regions play a pivotal role in the company’s overall growth strategy for the continent.

    The company specifically said in West Africa, it expects to grow its current footprint by 75 per cent with the addition of nine new hotels and more than 1,800 rooms by the end of 2023.

  • ‘90% of hospitality jobs casualised’

    The National Union of Hotels Personal Services Workers (NUHPSW) has raised the alarm that nine out of every 10 workers in the country’s hospitality sector are either casuals or contract staff.

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba,  expressed concern over unfair labour practices in the sector, adding that most hotels and hospitality service providers have denied their members the right to unionise.

    He decried the massive loss of jobs in the sector, adding that NLC will intervene and ensure that workers’ rights were not abused. He said: “Employers are becoming more aggressive due to the economic challenges. We are going through a lot of bad times with our employers.”

    Wabba said outsourcing and privatisation were evils adopted by employers to exploit their workers. He called for more proactive measures to stem the practice.

    He said when jobs were outsourced, sometimes the wages are so ridiculous and far below the national minimum wage, adding that the union had written to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, complaining about the precarious working conditions in some hotels and have concluded plans to picket some of the defaulting hotels.

    He urged the Federal Government to involve the union in its diversification policy.

    He said: “Our movement can prosper in unity if we keep the tradition of unity. We are not unmindful of all the challenges that our workers are going through, such as issues of unpaid salaries and allowances. We are more determined than ever to address this in a manner that will guarantee better life to our members nationwide.”

  • ‘Diversify the hospitality industry’

    ‘Diversify the hospitality industry’

    Qbrat Zoos, one of the top- notch recreational centres in Lagos has introduced guests’ lodge as part of its services in order to improve its tourism facilities.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer, Qbrat Zoos and Gardens, Prince Sakiru Adesina Raji, the lodge, which is situated within the zoo garden, will provide leisure seekers the opportunity to experience fascinating atmosphere close to its array of interesting creatures.

    The construction of the lodge, he said, was necessitated by the yearnings of visitors who desired to feel at home away from home.

    Noting that the move was one of the steps geared towards expanding the coast of the Public Private Partnership with the Lagos State government, he said more options of partnership will be sought to drive substantive investment in developing the zoological garden to a state-of-the-art resort.

    “We are into ecotourism, recreation and relaxation industry. Our hospitality takes a different end in the sense that it also adds the ecosystem to it. So, we are creating a small forum where people can relax after running all over the place. People have said that rest itself is medicine. People came to us asking for a facility which can take them away from the noisy environment of Lagos any time they come to see animals.

    “That was when we first came in 2012 and today we are happy that we are able to achieve the feat by creating a forum whereby they can relax themselves. Here is a place where you can forget everything about the normal stress of the day. By the time you go back to your work, you are totally fit,” he said.

    He noted that the section which comprises four standard rooms, two suites and one super executive room, are currently on friendly rates of between N6, 000 and N10, 000 from now till the end of the year.

    Prince Raji added that the success of the lodge will be consolidated with the provision of unconventional circular buildings that will provide a scenic setting.

    He said: “We are trying to work on round houses different from the conventional buildings such as typical Hausa houses. This is because we want people to be as close as possible to nature.”

    Highlighting some of the impediments to successful running of zoological gardens in recent times, Raji lamented the adverse impact of upward decline in promotion of recreational industry. He frowned at apathetic public disposition and waning interest towards patronising local tourist centres, saying government must strive to rekindle such affection in Nigerians.

    He said: “We have been talking to some people for partnership. Unfortunately, most people we talked to dissuaded us because they don’t believe in it. We believe that some new orientation has to be created in keeping up with the age long spirit in other climes, where visiting zoological gardens is just like every day Christmas.”

    He urged the government to also diversify into tourism as its potential are robust enough to boost the country’s gross domestic product if adequately utilised with the involvement of private sector.

    “In Kenya, for instance, the bulk of their GDP is from tourism. The same applies in South Africa, America and European cities. We are still open to partnership and with the depression; people are now looking at where they have closed their eyes to. There is money in the service industry because you are not importing anything fantastic. Unlike a manufacturer that needs raw materials on daily basis; the raw materials can be sourced locally here.

    “Government should give opportunity to people who are into private practice by creating a unit rate of interest. It should support indigenous establishments to grow. If well packaged, the service industry is very lucrative. There are some places you fly to that all you just need is accommodation and a means of transportation. Why can’t government provide it or assist people who want to provide it?” he said.

    Raji further canvassed the need for banks to review their interest rates to support emerging enterprises in order to expand.

    “Business like this, nothing stops banks from supporting us to build more to expand. People are saying they want an elephant and if I want to order it, it’s between N5 million and N7 million. I know if an elephant should land in this zoo today, I’ll make back the cost. People are running after easy money with short-term gains that will not outlive them,” he said.

  • Transcorp Hilton wins hospitality Award

    Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, at the weekend, won the Signum Virtutis (Seal of Excellence) award in the Hotels and Resorts Category of the 2016 Seven Stars Global Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.

    The ceremony was held at the Villa Padierna Palace Hotel in Marbella, Spain, on Saturday.

    An elite panel of luxury lifestyle experts selected nominees and eventual winners of the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards with voting open to the public. Transcorp Hilton Abuja is the only Nigerian hotel voted to receive this prestigious award.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp HotelsValentine Ozigbo said: ‘’To again be recognised as a luxury hospitality leader by a global award body is truly an acknowledgement of Transcorp’s commitment to the delivery of world-class luxury hospitality.

    With the upgrade to the hotel and innovative service initiative under way, we look forward to celebrating more milestones and achievements as we continue to strive for the ultimate guest experience in every aspect of our service offering. ”

  • Boost for hospitality industry in Imo

    Boost for hospitality industry in Imo

    The hospitality industry in Imo State got a boost with the inauguration of a reputable eatery, the King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge owned by veteran actor Kanayo O Kanayo. Located in the heart of Owerri, the state capital, the new restaurant, according to the operators, will give customers value for money.

    Despite its high number of hotels, Owerri, before now, could not boast of quality restaurants where diners could eat, relax and have fun.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, which was attended by the cream of society, Kanayo said the investment, was in response to the government’s call on indigenes to invest in the state.

    The actor assured customers that they would have a taste of world-class services at affordable cost.

    Besides, he said, the investment would also create employment for the youth, adding that about 30 graduates have already been employed as pioneer staff.

    Kanayo urged the government to continue to create enabling environment that will attract the sons of the state and others to invest in the state.

    In his speech shortly before commissioning the restaurant, the State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, commended the Actor for investing and adding value to the hospitality and tourism industry in State.

    He assured him of government support since he has decided to heed the clarion call by the state government to invest in the state and help boost the economy and create employment.

    The Deputy Governor tasked the management of the restaurant to patronise the local farmers in sourcing their recipe, while urging farmers to rise to the occasion and tap into the supply chain in the hospitality sector by growing the needed farm produce to support the industry.

    Madumere described the restaurant as one of “the most exquisite hospitality outfits that can readily compete with the best in the world,” adding that Imo State remains a preferred destination for tourism due to the infrastructural development and security.

    He called on other well-meaning Imo sons, daughters and other Nigerians to take the advantage of the incentives and facilities in the State to invest in manufacturing, tourism and any other sector of their interest.

     

  • Boost for hospitality industry in Imo

    Boost for hospitality industry in Imo

    The hospitality industry in Imo State got a boost with the inauguration of a reputable eatery, the King’s Dine Restaurant and Lounge owned by veteran actor Kanayo O Kanayo. Located in the heart of Owerri, the state capital, the new restaurant, according to the operators, will give prospective customers value for money and a new experience as they dine and wine in a cosy environment at pocket friendly prices.

    Owerri, with one of the highest numbers of hotels in all the state capitals across the country, before now could not boast of quality restaurants where diners could eat, relax and have fun under a secured and conducive atmosphere.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony, which was attended by the crème de la crème of the society, Kanayo, who is an indigene of the state, said that the investment, was his response to the repeated call by the state government on the illustrious sons of the state to invest in the state.

    The actor, was almost mobbed by desperate fans, said that the brand, will be a clear departure from what used to obtain in the state, assuring that customers will have a taste of world-class services at affordable cost.

    He stated further that apart from quality service delivery and value for money which are the hallmark of the restaurant, the investment will also create employment for the youths of the state, adding that about 30 graduates have already been employed as pioneer staff.

    Kanayo urged the government to continue to create enabling environment that will attract the sons of the state and others to invest in the state.

    In his speech shortly before commissioning the restaurant, the State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, commended the Actor for investing and adding value to the hospitality and tourism industry in State.

    He assured him of government support since he has decided to heed the clarion call by the state government to invest in the state and help boost the economy and create employment.

    The Deputy Governor tasked the management of the restaurant to patronise the local farmers in sourcing their recipe, while urging farmers to rise to the occasion and tap into the supply chain in the hospitality sector by growing the needed farm produce to support the industry.

    Madumere described the restaurant as one of “the most exquisite hospitality outfits that can readily compete with the best in the world,” adding that Imo State remains a preferred destination for tourism due to the infrastructural development and security.

    He called on other well-meaning Imo sons, daughters and other Nigerians to take the advantage of the incentives and facilities in the State to invest in manufacturing, tourism and any other sector of their interest.

  • ‘We’re redefining hospitality business’

    ‘We’re redefining hospitality business’

    The tourism/hospitality sector is a potential goldmine and can contribute immensely to the present administration’s on-going economic diversification programme. But the Federal Government will have to tap into it and build first class hospitality businesses close to tourist sites and also address the challenges facing operators, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of i-MAX Guest House & Suits, Prince Madugba Raphael Chiadikobi, has said.

    He spoke to reporters in Lagos during the week at the opening of i-MAX Guest House & Suits, a 33-room five star hotel located in the serene, highbrow Apapa GRA area of Lagos.

    Chiadikobi, who is an industrialist and ex-banker, said the result of a feasibility study by a firm commissioned by his company showed that tourism/hospitality business in Lagos alone can rake in over $3 billion annually, if government can fix the energy sector and address the security challenge in the country.

    He said, for instance, that unlike other sectors, the hospitality industry is the most adversely affected by the crisis in the energy sector. “It (energy crisis) affects us more than any other sector. In the banking sector, their generators will be on from probably 7 o’clock till 10 o’clock and they power down.

    “The Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) operate with solar. But the hospitality business is 24/7. You don’t power down. Even if it is one guest you have, he expects you to put on the light for him and he is right, because you have already told him that you have 24-hour electricity supply,” he stated.

    Chiadikobi also pointed out that insecurity posed a major challenge for operators. While noting that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is making progress in the area of security. He said: “There is no business that can thrive when there is crisis. The moment you are able to completely sort out the issue of security, more people will have the confidence to invest.”

    He said despite the challenges, the new hotel, which is a division of International Maximum Resources & Chemical Industries Limited, has come to redefine hospitality business through quality, cost-effective service delivery.

    Conducting newsmen round the expansive facility, he said the hotel is categorised into Royal Apartments, Executive Rooms, Standard Rooms and Presidential Suites, all tastefully furnished and tailored the meet the needs of different categories of clients.

    “Our rooms are very fantastic, expansive and affordable; we did not economise space. Our neighbours here our standard room is their big room; they charge N15, 000 per night while we charge an introductory price of N7, 000 for the same room size. The one they take between N15, 000 and N20, 000 we take N10, 000,” he said.

    The hotelier added that apart from nine metres-deep swimming pool to add to customers’ comfort, the hotel also offers special local delicacies on weekends. He said these have ensured a steady stream of customers since February 14 this year when the hotel started a test run of its facilities.

    He said the hotel, with its unique propositions, is poised to drive hospitality busniess especially in Lagos where the opportunities are huge.

    The hotelier said, for instance, that as big as Apapa is, the only five star hotel there is Rockview. “As I talk with you, after Rockview we are next to them. This is not our own assessment, but of people who who have been dealing with them that came here within two months of our test run,” he said.

    Chiadikobi added that because of the positive response the hotel has been getting, it plans to build an additional hotel in Lagos in the next five years. “The business is here,” he declared.