Lagos commissioner urges hotel managers to embrace global best practices at Africa conference

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has called on hotel managers and stakeholders across Africa to embrace global best practices and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable growth in the hospitality industry.

Speaking as Chief Host at the 2025 Hotel Managers Conference Africa, held on Saturday, 28th June at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Benson-Awoyinka said the conference serves as a crucial platform for industry players to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends, and build networks that will strengthen 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 noted.

The two-day conference, themed “Synergising for Sustainable Growth Through Global Best Practices,” features a series of insightful sessions, including discussions on integrating global standards, sustainability in hospitality, and technology-driven guest experiences. Participants will also benefit from a masterclass focused on building a learning culture within hotel operations.

Highlighting the importance of tourism and hospitality to Lagos State’s economic growth, job creation, and cultural diplomacy, Benson-Awoyinka reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure, security, and capacity development programmes that 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.

The commissioner encouraged stakeholders to leverage government initiatives and work collaboratively to position Lagos as a leading destination for both business and leisure.

She urged delegates to actively participate, share insights, and forge lasting partnerships that will elevate 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.

The Lagos State Government, she assured, remains steadfast in creating a supportive and enabling environment that will continue to boost the confidence of tourists and investors alike.

In his speech, the convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa and Vice President of the Hotel Managers School, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, called on hotel managers across the continent to transform challenges within the hospitality sector into success stories that deliver top-notch service to guests.

He emphasised that Africa’s hospitality industry is constantly measured against global brands and international standards. “Our guests in hotels have seen the best in Dubai, London, and Singapore, but they expect the same level of excellence here in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, and Johannesburg,” he said.

He stressed the need for managers to collaborate rather than compete, sharing innovations and lessons that will uplift the sector across the continent.

Mr. Sunday further encouraged hotel managers to see themselves as ambassadors for a thriving, world-class African hospitality industry, driving sustainable growth and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

The conference was attended by hotel managers, industry experts, and investors from across the continent.