By Jimoh Babatunde
Lagos is set to become the meeting point for Africa’s hospitality industry as hotel managers, tourism stakeholders and industry experts gather for the eighth edition of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA), with a focus on raising service standards and strengthening the continent’s tourism competitiveness.
The conference, scheduled for July 11 and 12 at Lagos Continental Hotel, will bring together hospitality professionals from Nigeria and 13 African countries under the theme, “Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa.”
Organisers said the summit would address critical issues affecting the hospitality sector, including workforce development, technology adoption, policy support and strategies for improving guest experience across African destinations.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with members of the Association of Nigeria Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET) in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of Tojum Hospitality and Convener of HMCA, Olugbenga Sunday, said the conference had become a major platform for advancing tourism and hospitality development in Africa.
He said the initiative, which began in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, had expanded to other Nigerian cities before establishing itself as a continental gathering for hospitality professionals.
Sunday explained that HMCA was established to close the gap between indigenous hotel brands and international hospitality chains by promoting knowledge sharing, mentorship and exposure to global industry standards.
He said the conference had contributed to improved service delivery, with more local hotels adopting international best practices and competing favourably in the market.
“Over the years, the conference has drawn leading hospitality professionals and we are gradually bridging that gap,” he said.
According to him, capacity building remains at the heart of HMCA because the strength of the hospitality sector depends on the skills and professionalism of its workforce.
The summit will feature keynote presentations, industry discussions, mentoring sessions, masterclasses, exhibitions and networking opportunities designed to create solutions for the growth of Africa’s hospitality sector.
The convener also highlighted the impact of technology on tourism and hotel operations, noting that digital solutions were improving booking systems, payment processes and overall guest experiences.
While acknowledging the growth potential of the sector, Sunday said challenges such as high operating costs, poor infrastructure, multiple taxation, insecurity and unreliable power supply continue to affect hospitality businesses.
He called for stronger government policies and a more supportive business environment to enable tourism and hospitality operators contribute more to economic development.
He also stressed the need for improved welfare for hospitality workers, saying better compensation, healthcare support, insurance and career development opportunities were essential for retaining skilled professionals in the industry.
The conference will also feature the graduation of about 90 students from the Hotel Managers School and an awards ceremony to recognise excellence in the hospitality industry.
With participation expected from across Africa, HMCA organisers said the Lagos gathering would further strengthen collaboration, innovation and partnerships aimed at positioning Africa as a more competitive tourism destination.
2026-06-30