By Mariam Ajibola
Amb. Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq, Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism, delivered a pivotal paper titled “Economic Downturn and Hoteliers’ Resistance: Strategies for Weathering Economic Downturns” at the recently concluded 4th Conference of the South West Hotels Association of Nigeria held at Ife Grand Resort , Ile Ife
In a well-attended gathering of industry leaders and stakeholders, Ojo-Lanre addressed the pressing challenges facing the hospitality sector amid a turbulent economic landscape marked by factors such as the COVID 19 , currency devaluation and the recent removal of fuel subsidies. His insights outlined the significant impact of these economic shifts on hotel occupancy rates, operational costs, and overall revenue.
“The hospitality industry not only serves as a cornerstone of employment and tourism but also plays a vital role in stimulating local economies,” stated Ojo-Lanre. “However, with declining consumer spending and rising operational costs, we must adopt innovative strategies to maintain resilience and ensure sustainability.”
Ojo-Lanre highlighted several key challenges hoteliers face, including:
Economic crises often result in reduced consumer spending, leading to increased vacancies and lower profits.Rising Operational Costs ,Inflation and fuel prices strain resources, directly affecting profit margins.
-Staff Retention Issues; The need for cost-cutting often results in layoffs, compromising service quality.
In addressing these challenges, Ojo-Lanre proposed actionable strategies, including:
Operational Efficiency by Streamlining costs through energy conservation and supplier negotiations.
Through Service Diversification by crafting tailored packages and repurposing spaces for community events to create new revenue streams.
The need to embrace digital Transformation by enhancing online presence and booking platforms to attract tech-savvy customers.
Ready to embrace flexible Pricing by Implementing dynamic pricing models and off-peak promotions to stimulate business.
Additionally, Ojo-Lanre underscored the importance of community engagement and partnerships, emphasizing that collaboration with local businesses can enrich guest experiences while bolstering revenue for hotels.
In conclusion, Ojo-Lanre rallied the audience around a shared vision for resilience and innovation within the hospitality sector. “Together, we can navigate the complexities of today’s economy and emerge stronger for the future,” he asserted.
As the hospitality industry in Nigeria looks ahead, the strategies articulated at the conference set a roadmap for hoteliers, encouraging a collective commitment to withstand challenges and drive meaningful growth.
….Mariam Ajibola is a corps member at the Bureau of Tourism Development.