Hotel Managers to redefine hospitality gatekeeping across Africa
By Onyeka Ezike
Hospitality professionals across Africa have been urged to embrace their role as strategic “gatekeepers” capable of redefining the continent’s tourism and hospitality narrative through improved service delivery, professionalism and innovation.
The call was made by the Convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Olugbenga Sunday, during an appearance on Villa Square, a segment of Cr8tive 9ja, the weekly tourism and culture programme aired on Mainland 98.3 FM Lagos.
Sunday said hotel managers and hospitality professionals occupy a critical position in shaping visitors’ perception of destinations, noting that the sector remains central to the growth and global competitiveness of Africa’s tourism industry.
According to him, hospitality extends beyond accommodation and customer relations, serving as the interface between nations and international visitors.
“When we discuss tourism at the national level, we must prioritize the hospitality sector because of the critical role it plays in shaping the overall tourism experience. Hospitality professionals serve as the interface between a country and its visitors, and their service delivery greatly influences tourists’ perceptions and the image of the nation,” he said.
He explained that the Hotel Managers Conference Africa was established to equip operators and industry professionals with global best practices while promoting collaboration and capacity development within the sector.
The eighth edition of the conference is scheduled to hold from July 11 to 12 at Lagos Continental Hotel, Lagos.
Founded in 2016 in Akwa Ibom State, the conference has grown into one of Africa’s leading hospitality industry platforms despite the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sunday disclosed that this year’s event would feature keynote presentations, workshops, networking sessions and panel discussions focused on improving guest experience and raising service delivery standards across Africa’s hospitality ecosystem.
“You cannot talk about hospitality without discussing guest experience.
Guest experience is about service delivery, how you make customers feel, and the lasting impression guests leave with after interacting with your brand,” he stated.
He added that the conference is designed not only to strengthen operational standards within the industry but also to create a lasting legacy for future hospitality professionals across the continent.
Industry stakeholders expected at the conference include hospitality executives, hotel managers and tourism experts from different African countries.
Among the notable speakers billed for the event are Professor Wasiu Adeyemo Babalola of Atiba University, Karl Hala, Ahmed Raza, Justina Ovat and Martin Bredenoord.
Sunday also revealed that the conference has secured the support of major corporate organisations, including fintech company OPay, which is exploring payment infrastructure solutions aimed at improving efficiency and seamless transactions within the hospitality industry.
Speaking on the growth of the sector, he expressed optimism about the future of hospitality in Nigeria and Africa, citing improvements in manpower development, culinary excellence and service standards.
According to him, Lagos has continued to attract leading international hospitality brands, while indigenous operators are increasingly leveraging African culture, heritage and cuisine to reposition the continent as a competitive global tourism destination.
He maintained that the Hotel Managers Conference Africa would continue to serve as a strategic platform for innovation, professional development and service excellence as Africa seeks to strengthen its place in the global hospitality market.