The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has called on hotel managers and key players in the African hospitality industry to embrace global best practices and forge strategic partnerships that can drive sustainable growth across the continent.
EpeInsights gathered that she made this appeal while speaking as Chief Host at the 2025 Hotel Managers Conference Africa, held on Saturday, June 28, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
Themed “Synergising for Sustainable Growth Through Global Best Practices,” the two-day conference brought together hotel executives, investors, and industry experts from across Africa to discuss innovative approaches and share actionable insights for elevating hospitality standards.
“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,” said Benson-Awoyinka.
The Commissioner highlighted the importance of the hospitality and tourism sector to Lagos State’s economy, particularly in areas such as job creation, cultural promotion, and foreign investment attraction. She reaffirmed the state government’s ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure, security, and workforce capacity within the industry.
“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 stated.
Sessions at the conference covered key topics such as sustainable practices in hotel operations, technology-enhanced guest experiences, and embedding a learning culture within hospitality management.
A masterclass was also held to equip managers with tools to drive innovation and quality service delivery.
Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka encouraged participants to take full advantage of the conference by actively engaging in dialogue, forming new partnerships, and aligning with public sector initiatives aimed at positioning Lagos as a premier destination for business and leisure.
In his remarks, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, Convener of the Conference and Vice President of the Hotel Managers School, urged hotel managers across Africa to rise to the challenge of delivering service that matches international standards.
“Our guests have experienced world-class hospitality in cities like Dubai, London, and Singapore. They expect the same excellence in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg,” he said.
Mr. Sunday emphasized the need for collaboration over competition among hotel professionals, calling on managers to share insights, adopt innovative approaches, and act as ambassadors for a globally competitive African hospitality industry.
The conference concluded with a renewed call for unity, resilience, and continuous learning as Africa’s hospitality sector seeks to redefine its global positioning and deliver exceptional experiences for both local and international guests.
