Eko Hotels and Suites Leads the Charge in Promoting African Tourism

On June 13, 2024, Eko Hotels and Suites, the premier luxury hospitality service provider in Lagos, Nigeria, hosted the Roundtable on Destination Africa, a high-level gathering aimed at promoting African tourism destinations. Industry stakeholders and business leaders came together to discuss critical issues relevant to the sustainability of Africa’s tourism sector.

The event, which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, brought together experts from various fields, including aviation, hospitality, and tourism. The roundtable discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities facing the African tourism industry, with a particular emphasis on the role of Nigeria and the wider West African region.

Nigeria’s Pivotal Role in African Aviation

Regina Shiko, Marketing Manager at Kenya Airways, highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in Africa’s aviation sector. “Nigeria is a crucial market for us,” Shiko said. “It offers multiple high-yield business opportunities, and we have seen a significant uptick in leisure travel in recent years.”

Shiko noted that Kenya Airways has responded to this growing demand by increasing the number of daily flights to Nigeria and ensuring adequate capacity to cater to the needs of both business and leisure travellers. The airline’s routes, 80-90% of which are intra-Africa, play a crucial role in promoting business and facilitating leisure travel across the continent.

Challenges in Nigerian Air Travel

Despite the growth and opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation sector, there are challenges that need addressing. Visa issuance remains a significant hurdle, with the process often seen as bureaucratic and expensive. “This is something we have escalated to the relevant authorities and our stakeholders,” Shiko explained. Simplifying the visa process could encourage more travel within the continent, or even doing away with it outrightly.

Another challenge facing Nigerian air travel is the perception of safety and reliability. Kenya Airways is actively working with industry stakeholders to change these perceptions and promote a positive image of African cities. “We are committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of our passengers,” Shiko said. “We are working hard to change the narrative and show that African cities are safe and welcoming.”

Eko Hotels and Suites: Transforming Hospitality in Lagos

Iyadunni Gbadebo, Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels and Suites, discussed the hotel’s innovative approach to enhancing the travel experience in Lagos. Over the past six years, Eko Hotels has invested heavily in creating a tourist destination within its hotel community. The onset of COVID-19 pushed the hotel to think outside the box, shifting focus from purely corporate clientele to leisure travellers as well.

“December is a busy period for us,” Gbadebo noted, highlighting the influx of Nigerians in the diaspora returning home for the holidays. Eko Hotels aims to capture a portion of the diaspora’s spending, which often goes to destinations like Dubai. “There needs to be a conversation that harmonizes a strategy to keep this diaspora money within the continent,” Gbadebo emphasized.

Eko Hotels’ location in the heart of Victoria Island, Lagos, makes it an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel has not only focused on offering luxurious accommodations and dining experiences but also ventured into content curation to offer unique travel experiences. This approach aims to make visitors more aware of the benefits of spending their money within Africa, enjoying the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere Nigeria has to offer.

Tropical Christmas Wonderland: An African Holiday Celebration

Beyond its strategic location and luxurious amenities, Eko Hotels & Suites boasts another jewel in its crown – the annual Tropical Christmas Wonderland. Launched in 2018, this event transforms the hotel into a wonderland for families and a grand venue for social gatherings. The event has taken a bold step away from traditional Western Christmas themes in recent years.

Gbadebo shared the evolution of this event, which has since embraced a distinctly African narrative. “The conversation started two years ago during the Prideland edition, when we deliberately started choosing to tell African Christmas stories,” Gbadebo recalled. Inspired by a child’s suggestion, Eko Hotels has developed themes that reflect African traditions and stories, merging universal Christmas themes with unique African elements.

This year, the event will focus on “the Africa of the future,” continuing to build on the success of previous editions and offering visitors an immersive experience that celebrates African heritage and innovation. The Tropical Christmas Wonderland promises to be a grand celebration of African culture and hospitality, reinforcing Eko Hotels’ commitment to promoting African tourism and creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.

The Future of African Tourism

As Africa continues to emerge as a global tourism destination, events like the Roundtable on Destination Africa and the Tropical Christmas Wonderland highlight the potential and promise of the continent’s diverse and vibrant travel industry. Eko Hotels and Suites stands at the forefront of this movement, transforming Lagos into a premier