Lagos Calls for Higher Hospitality Standards as Hotel Managers Conference Africa 2026 Opens

Lagos Calls for Higher Hospitality Standards as Hotel Managers Conference Africa 2026 Opens

The Lagos State Government has urged hospitality stakeholders across Africa to embrace higher service standards, innovation and stronger partnerships to position the continent's hospitality industry for global competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

The call was made by the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, during the opening of the 8th Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) 2026 held at the InterContinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Represented by the Ministry's Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, the Commissioner welcomed delegates from Nigeria, across Africa and other parts of the world, conveying the goodwill of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State.

She described the conference theme, "Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa," as timely, noting that the continent must take advantage of emerging opportunities created by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), increasing intra-African travel and the growing global demand for authentic African experiences.

According to her, Africa's hospitality sector must prioritise innovation, customer satisfaction and service excellence to remain competitive in the global tourism market.

Benson-Awoyinka observed that modern travellers now seek more than quality accommodation, stressing that visitors increasingly value destinations offering a blend of comfort, culture, cuisine, entertainment, safety and exceptional customer service.

She urged hotel owners, operators and managers to build stronger partnerships with airlines, tour operators, event organisers, technology platforms and players in the creative industry to develop integrated tourism products that showcase Africa's rich cultural heritage.

The Commissioner further emphasised that while infrastructure attracts visitors, consistent and professional service delivery is what builds customer loyalty and strengthens destination competitiveness.

She added that Africa's renowned hospitality should be complemented by continuous staff training, innovation and professionalism to meet international standards.

Reaffirming the Lagos State Government's commitment to tourism development, Benson-Awoyinka said the state remains focused on creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable tourism growth in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu's THEMES+ Development Agenda.

She highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, transportation, security, destination marketing and the creative economy as measures reinforcing Lagos' position as Africa's preferred destination for business, leisure, entertainment and cultural tourism.

"When the hospitality industry thrives, tourism expands; when tourism expands, businesses flourish, employment opportunities increase, and our communities prosper," she said.

Earlier, Convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, described the conference as a movement committed to transforming Africa's hospitality industry into a globally competitive sector.

He said the initiative was established to equip African hotels to compete successfully on the international stage, adding that service excellence goes beyond documented policies and must be reflected in guests' experiences through a culture of commitment, continuous improvement and consistent service delivery.

Sunday disclosed that the 2026 edition attracted more than 1,000 participants from 16 African countries, underscoring the conference's growing continental influence.

He also announced the graduation of 80 participants from the Hotel Managers School, an online hospitality leadership and management institution established to develop the next generation of hospitality professionals across Africa.