LASG WELCOMES DELEGATES TO 8TH HOTEL MANAGERS CONFERENCE AFRICA 2026
…Calls for Higher Standards to Position Africa’s Hospitality Industry for Global Competitiveness
The Lagos State Government has reiterated the need for higher service standards, innovation, and stronger stakeholder collaboration to position Africa’s hospitality industry as a globally competitive sector capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, made this known at the first day of the 8th Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) 2026, held at the InterContinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday, 11th July 2026.
Welcoming delegates to Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital and one of Africa’s foremost destinations for tourism, hospitality, entertainment, arts and culture, the Commissioner who was represented at the event by the Director of Administration and Human Resources of the Ministry, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu,
conveyed the warm greetings of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State.
“I extend a special welcome to our distinguished guests who have travelled from different parts of Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond. Your presence here demonstrates our collective commitment to transforming Africa’s hospitality industry into a globally competitive sector that drives economic prosperity, creates employment opportunities, and fosters cultural exchange,” she said.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa,” Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka described it as timely and relevant to the evolving realities of the hospitality industry.
“As Africa continues to experience greater regional integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), increasing intra-African travel, and growing global demand for authentic African experiences, we must deliberately position ourselves to take full advantage of these emerging opportunities. The future belongs to destinations that embrace innovation, prioritise customer satisfaction, and remain committed to excellence,” she stated.
The Commissioner observed that today’s travellers seek more than quality accommodation, noting that visitors now desire experiences that seamlessly combine comfort, culture, cuisine, entertainment, safety, and exceptional customer service.
“Our hotels must evolve beyond being mere places of accommodation to becoming destinations that tell authentic African stories, celebrate our rich heritage, and create memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits,” she added.
She urged hotel owners, operators, and managers to strengthen strategic partnerships with tour operators, airlines, event organisers, players in the creative industry, and technology-driven platforms to develop integrated tourism offerings that showcase the continent’s unique cultural and tourism assets.
Mrs. Benson-Awoyinka further emphasised that while infrastructure attracts visitors, excellent service is what builds loyalty and sustains destination competitiveness.
“The warmth and hospitality for which Africans are renowned must be complemented by professionalism, continuous capacity building, innovation, and consistency in service delivery. These are the qualities that distinguish world-class hospitality destinations,” she remarked.
Reaffirming the commitment of the Lagos State Government to tourism development, the Commissioner noted that the State remains focused on creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and sustainable tourism growth in line with Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES+ Development Agenda.
She explained that ongoing investments in infrastructure, transportation, security, destination marketing, and the creative economy continue to reinforce Lagos’ position as Africa’s preferred destination for business, leisure, entertainment, and cultural tourism.
“As a government, we see ourselves not merely as regulators but as partners in progress. When the hospitality industry thrives, tourism expands; when tourism expands, businesses flourish, employment opportunities increase, and our communities prosper,” she concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, described the conference as “a movement dedicated to reshaping the future of African hospitality.”
Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, he said, “When we started this journey, we asked ourselves a simple but profound question: What will it take for African hotels not merely to survive but to compete successfully on the global stage?”
He expressed confidence that African investors and hospitality operators have significantly improved service standards across the continent, from Accra to Lagos, demonstrating that Africa possesses the capacity to compete with the best hospitality destinations worldwide.
According to him, “Service standards documented in manuals are meaningless if guests do not experience them. Exceptional service is not created by policies alone; it is built through culture, commitment, continuous improvement, and consistent delivery by every member of staff.”
Mr. Sunday disclosed that this year’s conference attracted over 1,000 participants from 16 African countries, reflecting the growing influence of the platform across the continent.
He also announced the graduation of 80 participants from the Hotel Managers School, an online hospitality leadership and management institution established to build the next generation of hospitality professionals and strengthen Africa’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Adeoti Sobowale
Director,
Public Affairs,
MTAC
12th July 2026.
