The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has urged hotel managers and hospitality stakeholders across Africa to embrace global best practices and form strategic partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the industry.
Benson-Awoyinka made the call while speaking as the Chief Host at the 2025 Hotel Managers Conference Africa, held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
She described the conference as a vital platform for industry players to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and build networks that would enhance the sector’s resilience and competitiveness.
“This gathering is dedicated to continuous learning, knowledge exchange, and strategic collaboration as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry in Africa and beyond,” the Commissioner stated.
The two-day conference, themed ‘Synergising for Sustainable Growth Through Global Best Practices,’ featured a series of sessions on integrating international standards, promoting sustainability in hospitality, and leveraging technology to improve guest experiences.
Delegates also attended a masterclass focused on building a culture of learning within hotel operations.
Benson-Awoyinka emphasised the importance of the tourism and hospitality sector to Lagos State’s economy, job creation, and cultural diplomacy.
She reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, security, and capacity-building initiatives to enable the sector to thrive.
“We are intentional about building a vibrant ecosystem where hotel businesses can flourish and set benchmarks for excellence, not just in Nigeria but across Africa,” she said.
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The Commissioner encouraged stakeholders to leverage ongoing government initiatives and work collaboratively to position Lagos as a top destination for both business and leisure travellers.
She urged participants to engage actively, share knowledge, and forge partnerships that will improve service delivery and guest satisfaction.
“Let us work together to chart a path that ensures sustainable growth, resilience, and global competitiveness for our hospitality industry,” she added.
Benson-Awoyinka assured delegates that the Lagos State Government remains committed to creating a supportive environment that continues to inspire the confidence of tourists and investors.
In his remarks, the convener of the conference and Vice President of the Hotel Managers School, Olugbenga Sunday, challenged hotel managers across Africa to turn the challenges facing the sector into opportunities to deliver excellent guest experiences.
He noted that Africa’s hospitality industry is often compared with leading global brands.
“Our guests have experienced the best in Dubai, London, and Singapore, and they expect the same level of excellence here in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg,” he said.
Sunday stressed the importance of collaboration over competition, urging managers to share innovations and lessons that can uplift the sector across the continent.
He also called on hotel managers to see themselves as ambassadors for a thriving, world-class African hospitality industry.
The conference attracted hotel managers, investors, and industry experts from across Africa.
