The International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) (http://ihtefafrica.com) returns to Abuja
this April 24-25 at the iconic Ladi Kwali Hall, Abuja Continental Hotel (Former Sheraton Hotel) bringing together leaders in the industry, government officials, active investment community, sustainability experts and most importantly young and enterprising hospitality enthusiast.
The Nigeria’s Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John is confirmed to attend as the Special Guest of Honour. She will declare the conference and EXPO open. The Minister’s presence signifies a commitment to the sustainable development of the hospitality and tourism sector in Nigeria.
IHTEF is a Hospitality focused intellectual marketplace and ‘platform of minds’ that brings together, thought leaders, influential government figures, project developers, hotel managers, visionaries, investors, hotel owners, consumers and sustainability enthusiasts.
Inspired by the urgency of now the theme “Emerge Together: Reimagining A Green Hospitality Economy” marks the beginning of a new epoch in charting a sustainability driven hospitality sector in Nigeria and beyond.
From design, funding, management, service, resource maximisation and workforce sustainability, leading entities from related sectors will meet to share insights, network and do business. No doubt hospitality circular economy, green buildings, certification and financing, will be centre stage towards de-carbonizing the tourism sector.
Interestingly, this edition, with the introduction of Abuja Hotel Expo, IHTEF has now successfully created a unique buyer and robust seller platform – a transaction ground for creative marketing, networking, innovation and sustainability. Exhibitors and guests alike can now forge invaluable connections, boost sales and strike lucrative deals. Visitors can visit the EXPO free daily from Ten O’clock till 5pm.
For the first time, IHTEF 7.0 will house the landmark Bed Making Competition, Chef’s Colloquium and Bartenders Academy in one location. To be able to bring these skill sessions together with the IHTEF conference and Abuja Hotel Expo is truly amazing. It is a commitment to an industry that is resilient.
A sneek peek at the agenda for this years IHTEF conference shows that Trevor J Ward, Managing Director, W Hospitality will spark the conversations with the keynote – “Future Hotel Development in Africa – the Imperative of Sustainability”
On a similar note, Professor Wasiu Babalola FIH, of Atiba University Oyo will speak on Emerge Together: ESGs, Sustainability and the Hospitality Sector. While Dr Belinda Nwosu of Lagos Business School will speak on “Workplace Sustainability: Managing Gen Zs, Talent Retention and Succession”
IHTEF will also feature High Level Panel (HLP) sessions with industry leaders and experts in hospitality design, operations, financing, management, revenue, service and sustainability.
Godfrey Tapela, Senior Investment Officer on Tourism and Retail at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will speak on Decarbonising the Hospitality sector, green- financing, building and certification.
Mr Karl Hala, Group General Manager, Continental Hotels; Arc Dipo Adebo of DAA Architects; Damilola Adepoju, Director Lodging & Development, Marriott West Africa; Mr Adedayo Adesugba, Vice Chair, Association of Tourism and Hospitality Consultants of Nigeria (ATHCON); Mrs. Oluwasoromidayo George, Director Corporate Affair & Sustainable Business, Nigeria Bottling Company and Ahmed Raza of Radisson Blu Anchorage will be among the panelists.
Also joining the panel include Paul Kavanagh, GM Wheatbaker Lagos;
Mr Ekene Nnabuihe, CEO Boulevard Hotel Group; Dewald Kruger, The Envoy Abuja; Mrs Kehinde Daniel, Kots Catering; Ms Idy Ekwo, Hospitality Connect, Worldwide; Alain Salameh, General Manager, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham; and Toni Cheikwafah of Beer Barn.
Also, the conference will close on the 25 April with the the prestigious Hotel Industry Excellence & Sustainability Awards (HIESA)
The Hotel Industry Excellence & Sustainability Award (HIESA), is the hospitality industry’s renowned premium award event that recognizes and rewards organizations and individuals that have helped in the growth, development and sustainability of the hospitality and tourism sector
© International Hospitality, Tourism & Eco-sustainability Forum (IHTEF)
Chibuikem Diala MIH MITPN
Executive Director, IHTEF