The hospitality industry in Africa is set for another milestone as hotel managers, tourism experts and hospitality stakeholders from across the continent prepare to gather in Lagos for the eighth edition of the Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMCA).
The conference, scheduled for July 11 and 12, will focus on improving service delivery, strengthening workforce capacity, promoting digital transformation and advocating policy reforms needed to position Africa’s hospitality industry for global competitiveness.
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 the Hotel Managers Conference Africa, Olugbenga Sunday, said the event has grown into one of Africa’s leading hospitality conferences since it was launched in 2016.
Conference to Attract Participants from 13 African Countries
This year’s conference, themed ‘’Raising the Bar: Sales, Service and Standards for a Competitive Africa,” will take place at the Grand African Ballroom of Lagos Continental Hotel.
According to the organisers, delegates from Nigeria and at least 13 African countries, including Ghana and Uganda, have already confirmed their participation. The conference is expected to bring together hotel owners, managers, investors, tourism professionals, technology providers and policymakers.
Sunday explained that HMCA began in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, before expanding to Port Harcourt, Owerri and Lagos as part of a deliberate strategy to build a truly national and continental hospitality platform.
He noted that previous editions attracted participants from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, with one conference recording physical attendance from 27 states.
Bridging the Gap Between Local and International Brands
Sunday said one of the major objectives of the conference is to bridge the gap between indigenous hotel brands and international hospitality chains.
According to him, although many professionals work across both local and international hotel brands, differences in operational standards have remained noticeable over the years.
He said the conference was designed to expose hotel managers to global best practices through knowledge sharing, collaboration and continuous professional development.
Sunday expressed satisfaction that the initiative has contributed significantly to improving service delivery, noting that many indigenous hotel brands now offer services comparable to international four and five-star hotels.
Capacity Building Remains a Priority
The HMCA Convener described capacity building as the foundation of sustainable hospitality growth in Africa.
He said participants will benefit from keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, mentorship sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities and exhibitions showcasing modern hospitality technologies and operational solutions.
According to him, the conference is not only about learning but also about creating practical solutions to the challenges facing the industry while encouraging collaboration among professionals across Africa.
He added that the conference has helped many hospitality professionals establish valuable mentoring relationships that continue beyond the annual event.
Digital Innovation Transforming Hospitality
Sunday also highlighted the increasing adoption of digital technology within the hospitality sector.
He explained that smart technologies have simplified hotel operations by improving payment systems, check-in procedures, customer service and overall guest experience.
He stressed that embracing digital innovation has become essential for hotels seeking to remain competitive in today’s rapidly evolving hospitality environment.
Industry Calls for Better Government Policies
Despite the sector’s progress, Sunday identified several challenges affecting hotel operations across Nigeria.
He listed multiple taxation, poor road infrastructure, flooding, insecurity and rising electricity costs as major obstacles limiting business growth.
According to him, energy expenses now consume about 40 percent of the income generated by many hotels, making government intervention increasingly necessary.
He therefore urged governments at all levels to implement policies that create an enabling business environment through improved infrastructure, better regulation and stronger support for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Improved Staff Welfare Essential for Growth
Sunday acknowledged concerns over disparities in remuneration between senior management and junior employees within the hospitality industry.
Although HMCA is not a labour union, he said the conference consistently advocates better welfare for hospitality workers.
He explained that previous editions have encouraged employers to improve salaries, health insurance, pensions, medical care, staff meals and leave allowances.
The conference has also promoted transparency by encouraging employers advertising vacancies through its platform to disclose salary information.
Ghana Tourism Authority Endorses Conference
Sunday revealed that the conference continues to enjoy growing support from government institutions and industry partners.
He said the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Creative Economy has remained supportive of the initiative, while this year’s edition has also received endorsement from the Ghana Tourism Authority.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority is expected to attend the conference as the Guest of Honour, while discussions are already underway for Ghana to host a future edition of the event.
Graduation and Industry Awards
The conference will also feature the graduation of nearly 90 students from the Hotel Managers School, who have completed programmes in Hotel Management and Operations.
In addition, outstanding hotels and hospitality professionals will be recognised during an awards ceremony celebrating excellence across the industry.
Sunday attributed HMCA’s steady growth to the support of sponsors and strategic partners, including OPay, Huawei, Lagos Continental Hotel, Continental Hotels Group, Radisson Blu, Marriott, Eko Hotels and EbonyLife.
He stressed that sponsors are selected based on the value and solutions they bring to the hospitality ecosystem rather than purely commercial considerations.
The ANJET breakfast meeting formed part of ongoing engagements between tourism stakeholders and the media aimed at promoting dialogue, strengthening collaboration and advancing the development of Nigeria’s tourism and hospitality industry.
