…. Tourism Minister leads over 15 African countries, 400 participants

By Jimoh Babatunde

The convener of the annual Hotel Managers and Conference and Awards, HMCA, Olugbenga Omotayo Sunday, has revealed that the event seeks to upgrade the hotel business operations in Nigeria and Africa to match what is obtainable in other hotels internationally.

Speaking ahead of the sixth edition of the yearly conference billed for this week in Lagos, he added that the Hotel Managers Conference and Awards was envisioned for hotel managers in Africa for skills upgrade, networking and hotel job opportunities.

Sunday, who is the Director General, Hotel Managers Conference – Africa, said ‘‘Hotel Managers Conference and Awards recognises the prime importance of the role staff play in giving hotels their standard in Africa and globally.

“Hence, the Hotel Managers Conference seeks to upgrade the total hotel business operations in Nigeria and Africa to match what is obtainable in other hotels internationally.’’

Adding, ‘‘our core focus is towards building capacities in the human resources in hospitality brands in Africa both international and Indigenous brands in administration and general operations standards.’’

On the choice of the theme for this year, which is  ‘Innovative Strategies: Nurturing Resilience and Excellence in Guest Experience in African Hospitality’, Sunday, who is also the Lead Consultant at Tojum Hospitality, noted, ‘‘In the dynamic landscape of hospitality, innovation becomes the cornerstone for fostering resilience and achieving excellence in guest experience. This conference will unravel groundbreaking strategies that go beyond conventional approaches.

‘‘From harnessing cutting-edge technologies to cultivating a resilient mindset, attendees will explore how innovation becomes the catalyst for elevating guest experiences to unprecedented levels.’’

Sunday disclosed that the Tourism Minister, Mrs Lola Ade-John, will lead delegates from over 15 African countries and 400 participants across Nigeria to Lagos for the hospitality industry gathering.

“the Tourism Minister, Ade-John, is the chief host and expected to deliver an address to the August gathering on Nigeria’s agenda for the industry.

He added that over 400 participants from across Nigeria are signed up for the two-day gathering, which for the first time will attract delegates from African countries with over 15 countries registered for the event. The countries include; Kenya, Botswana, Uganda, Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, and Rwanda. Also, attending the event are delegates from the United Kingdom.

Some of the speakers slated to speak and lead discussion during the panel sessions include; Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels in Nigeria; Olufemi Abayomi, CEO/Founder, Nethermentor, Regional Chairman – Institute Of Hospitality (UK) Nigeria Region; Lydia Akuna,  Lecturer – Department Of Hotel and Hospitality Management, Moi University-Eldoret, Kenya; Dr Michael Pinder, General Manager – JS Signature Hotel, Port Harcourt; Ekene Nnabuihe, Group Chief Executive Officer – Boulevard Hotel Group Lagos Nigeria; Mrs Justina Ovat, National President – Women In Hospitality Nigeria; Molly Apion, Chairperson – Hotel General Manager’s Association, Uganda and General Manager – Arch Apartments and Hotel, Uganda; and Amir M. Adamu, Founder and Executive Director, Hospitality Innovation and Leadership Forum, Cameroon.

The conference, which will climax with the Hotel Managers Awards Night, on the second day of the event, has as headline sponsor; LG Electronics Nigeria as a co-headline sponsor as well while other sponsors include; Lagos Continental, Providus Bank, Radisson Hotel Group, Wakanow, Old English, BusyRooms, Nigerian Bottling Company, Ikogosi Resorts, Presken Hotels Group, Eko Hotels and Suites and Bizedge.