By Taiye Olayemi/Adeyemi Adeleye

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts  and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, has urged stakeholders in the hospitality sector to curb drug usage, vices and environmental nuisances in their operations.

Benson-Awoyinka made this remark in her address at the Tourism Stakeholders’ engagement with the Hospitality Sector on Thursday in Lagos.

The theme of the event was, “Addressing Current Industry Challenges, Exploring Emerging Trends, Understanding Policy Frameworks and Unveiling Collaborative Opportunities Within the Entire Hospitality Value Chain.”

The commissioner said these issues must be dealt with by operators in the hospitality industry to make Lagos, a destination of 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.

“From our local artisans to hoteliers, travel agencies and transport providers, every stakeholder in the entire value chain has a crucial role to play.

“We must leverage our collective strengths to build a robust and resilient hospitality sector,” the commissioner said.

Benson-Awoyinka said that the engagement with tourism stakeholders in the hospitality sector to address critical issues, emerging trends, and opportunities within the industry had become overdue.

According to her, there is the need to always share views on how to improve the sector and continue to operate in line with acceptable best practices.

She 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.

“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.

“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 .”

The commissioner said that emerging trends in the sector such as digital transformation, eco-tourism, and personalised customer experiences are reshaping the way hospitality businesses are being done.

She said that it had become imperative that players stay ahead of these trends to remain competitive and relevant.

She noted that the state was 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 digitising our registration processes and will 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 establishment,” she added.

Seeking the cooperation of players, Benson-Awoyinka said that the ministry was striving to make the methodology seamless.

“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.

“As practitioners in this sector, let us continue to organise ourselves orderly and conduct our businesses in the most professional manner,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

PTB/AYO/NCI/COF

================

Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Christiana Fadare