Stories by Jimoh Babatunde with agency reports

Nkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban, home of Indaba travel trade exhibition.

The business environment in Lagos has contributed to the growth of hospitality industry  as well as the occupancy rates of  existing hotels are increasing.

Mark Loxley, General Manager, Southern Sun Ikoyi Hotel,  who disclosed this in a chat with travel journalists  during the week, said that occupancy  level  has improved  in the state, not for his hotel alone, but  for all hotels.

“In the first quarter the occupancy level has improved , the business level has improved not just for our hotel, I think it is generic that every hotel is doing well. it is a good signal for Lagos, it is a good sign in the business community that business has picked up.”

He added that “in January we were up by 10% , which is an indication of business coming into Lagos, and it is not this hotel alone, the industry is benefiting as a whole.”

Loxley disclosed that the growth in the hospitality industry in the state will lead to improve services  as every hotel will strive to maintain  international standard.

Southern Sun Ikoyi hotel, he explained, is prepared for the competition that the growth in the industry will bring as  the  human element  that have in their property will differentiate  them from others.

“The customers are our primary responsibility, the relationship and friendship we cultivate and upholding of the standard as well as the added values we have will give us an edge.”

The hotel which reopened two years ago  has  a total of 195 rooms tastefully furnished  with luxuriously decor  that  offers a variety of rooms to meet clients’ needs.

Loxley  said  they have recently done complete refurbishment of  the hotel function hall, “which now has proper sound proofing and acoustic door installed, to proper experience for customers using the hall.”

He added that  they have equally upgrading the ninth floor of the hotel where they have provided executive floor lounge .

“In conjunction  with the owners of the hotel, we are embarking on the phase two of the hotel project, we are looking at expanding the hotel to embrace more functional meeting rooms and second restaurant as well. We believe that there is a necessity for that and also to expand the parking space as well.”

Loxley  disclosed that the hotel is turning its focus on higher rate individual, corporate travellers coming into this country, “government business is expanding and we are also focusing on the aircrew component, we now have three airlines  using the hotel.”

While attributing the success of the hotel  to its staff,  Loxley  said their objective this year is to maintain and improve the quality service to our guests through training and re training of staff in all areas of hotel business.