The Lagos State Government has called for higher service standards, greater innovation and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to position Africa’s hospitality industry as a globally competitive sector capable of driving sustainable economic growth.
Eko Hot News reports that the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, made the call during the opening of the 8th Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA) 2026 held at the InterContinental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The commissioner, represented by the Ministry’s Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mr. Taoreed Dosunmu, welcomed delegates from across Nigeria, Africa and other parts of the world to Lagos.
She conveyed the goodwill of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and the people of Lagos State, describing the conference as an important platform for advancing Africa’s hospitality industry.
According to Benson-Awoyinka, the gathering reflects a shared commitment to transforming Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector into a major driver of economic growth, job creation and cultural exchange.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa,” the commissioner described it as timely and relevant to the evolving demands of the global hospitality industry.
She noted that the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), rising intra-African travel and increasing global interest in authentic African experiences present significant opportunities for the continent.
Benson-Awoyinka urged hospitality operators to embrace innovation, improve customer satisfaction and maintain high service standards to remain competitive internationally.
She explained that today’s travellers expect more than comfortable accommodation, seeking memorable experiences that combine culture, entertainment, cuisine, safety and excellent customer service.
According to the commissioner, hotels should evolve into destinations that showcase Africa’s rich heritage while creating unique experiences that encourage repeat visits.
She encouraged hotel owners and managers to strengthen partnerships with airlines, tour operators, event organisers, creative industry practitioners and technology platforms to deliver integrated tourism experiences.
Benson-Awoyinka stressed that while modern infrastructure attracts visitors, exceptional service remains the key factor in building customer loyalty and sustaining destination competitiveness.
She added that Africa’s renowned hospitality must be supported by professionalism, continuous staff training, innovation and consistency in service delivery.
The commissioner reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports tourism investment, innovation and sustainable industry growth.
She explained that continued investments in transportation, infrastructure, security, destination marketing and the creative economy are reinforcing Lagos’ position as Africa’s preferred destination for business and leisure.
According to her, the government’s role extends beyond regulation to building strategic partnerships that support industry growth and economic development.
She noted that a thriving hospitality industry contributes significantly to tourism expansion, business growth, employment generation and community development.
Earlier, Convener of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Mr. Olugbenga Sunday, described the conference as a movement dedicated to reshaping the future of African hospitality.
He recalled that the vision behind the initiative was to ensure African hotels not only survive but also compete successfully with leading hospitality brands across the world.
Sunday expressed confidence that hospitality operators and investors across Africa have continued to improve service standards, demonstrating the continent’s growing competitiveness.
He emphasised that excellent customer service cannot be achieved through written policies alone but through commitment, strong workplace culture, continuous improvement and consistent delivery.
The convener disclosed that the 2026 edition of the conference attracted more than 1,000 participants from 16 African countries, reflecting the event’s growing influence across the continent.
Industry experts at the conference agreed that collaboration, innovation and investment remain essential to unlocking Africa’s vast tourism and hospitality potential.
They noted that strengthening professional standards and promoting authentic African experiences will help position the continent as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations.
The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote excellence in hospitality while strengthening Lagos’ reputation as a leading destination for tourism, entertainment, arts and culture.
Officials expressed confidence that stronger partnerships between government and the private sector will continue to drive sustainable tourism development, create employment opportunities and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.
