...Holds Stakeholders' Engagement To harness Business in the sector
AgegePulse Magazine
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka today organized a stakeholders in hospitality sector to proffer solutions challenging the Tourism sector in the state.
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Lagos Commissioner, Toke Benson, Proffers Solutions, Challenging Tourism Industry, |
The program, Themed: Addressing Current Industry Challenges, Exploring Emerging Trends, Understanding Policy Frameworks and Unveiling Collaborative Opportunities Within The Entire Hospitality Value Chain at Zinnia Hall, Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka said The hospitality sector plays a vital role in the economic development of Lagos State. This sector does not only provide employment to thousands but also serves as a gateway for showcasing our rich cultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and unparalleled hospitality.
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| Commissioner on Tourism, Mrs. Toke-Benson, Awoyinka |
"It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this important engagement session with tourism stakeholders in the hospitality sector and I feel honored to address you today on the critical issues, emerging trends, and opportunities within our industry.
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| Discussants |
"We are all not unaware of the significant challenges our industry faces, from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to evolving customer expectations and increased competition.
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| Attendants |
"With this gathering, we want to address these challenges head-on. We must adapt to the changing landscape by embracing new technologies and sustainable practices.
"Emerging trends in this sector such as digital transformation, eco-tourism, and personalized customer experiences are reshaping the way we operate. It is imperative that we stay ahead of these trends to remain competitive and relevant.
"In Lagos State, we are committed to creating an enabling environment for the hospitality sector to thrive. Our policy frameworks are being continually reviewed to ensure they support growth, innovation, and sustainability. We are also focused on improving infrastructure, enhancing security, and promoting Lagos as a prime tourist destination.
We strive to make the industry, as with other climes, data driven, through the capturing of the entire hospitality sector on a database we can also share with the rest of the world. We are digitizing our registration processes and would no longer operate manually in this capturing process.
"You must also agree with me that data is important not only for growth and expansion but also for SECURITY of lives and property within and around your establishments.
We seek your cooperation in this very important exercise as we strive to make it seamless as the methodology would be communicated to you accordingly.
"The fact remains that collaboration is key to achieving our objectives. By working together, we can create a seamless and memorable experience for tourists who depend on such data in that critical decision on destination choice.
The sanctity and safety of your establishment also comes into focus, drugs, vices and environmental nuisances play a major role and such must be curbed to further make us a destination of choice and enhance Lagos as a LIVE WORK AND PLAY environment.
"You will agree with me that this gathering is long over due considering happenings in the hospitality sector, emerging trends and the need for us to always share views on how to improve this sector and continue to operate inline with acceptable best practices
Addressing to gathering with the topic , Enhancing Compliance in the Hospitality Sector, The GM Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, Special Adviser on Transport, Hon. Shola Giwa, Chairman, LIRS, Mr. Ayodele Subaru, Special Adviser on Tax, Mr. AbdulKabir Ogungbo and GM LASEPA, Dr. Tunde Ajayi among others expressed feeling of making a tourism sector a collaborative opportunities within the Hospitality value chain.
They advised Lagosians To Explore Tourism and Water Transportation as part of activities to curb traffic congestion in Lagos with the effort of Mr. Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu investing hugely to ensure water transportation is safe for all.
Issues of multiple Taxation, Land Use Charge, noise pollution, illegal parking, noise pollution, and policies endangering an healthy business environment were all discussed.
In the area of Public-Private Partnership, President Hotel Owners & Managers Association of Lagos, Chief Alabi, President Restaurants Cafes, Bars and Club, Mrs. Tannaz Eterbarian, CEO, Koko Beach, Hotel & Resorts, Mr. Richard Shittu and Owner of Ile-Iya, Mr. Mustapha Olasunkanmi all discussed on strengthening a collaborative efforts towards government policies and frames works, simplicity in visa application that will harness hospitality business a point of call for Nigerians at home and in diaspora, noting that all these were put together to overcome the challenges, harness the opportunities, and set new benchmarks for excellence.
