Nigeria, recently, joined the rest of the world to mark the 2021 World Tourism Day. Mr Oluomo Jamiu Talabi, President of Lagos Hoteliers Association , explained the place of hospitality in tourism, post- COVID-19 business operations and recent occurrences in the sector. OYENIRAN APATA reports.

What is the update on the hotel sector?

Talking about tourism and the post-CIVID hotel industry, we must first give thanks to the Almighty God for seeing the sector through, particularly the period of lockdown when the pandemic brought almost all human activities to comatose.

After the lockdown, the industry is gradually bouncing back and we are striving hard to return to business in full amidst COVID-19 precautions.

Though, we are still observing the necessary precautions. Workers that were either placed on the skeletal schedule, half salary or those that were suspended so to speak are back at work and we have resumed full payment of allowances and salaries.

Our clients and customers are coming, though not in the quantum that we had envisaged. We are back on our feet.

The losses suffered by business concerns during the lockdown was enormous, can you give an estimate of losses suffered by your members?

Unfortunately, it will be difficult for me to put exact figures to the losses suffered by members, but the losses were humongous.

Recall I said we are back in business but not in full swing as it was before the outbreak of the pandemic.

This is because the restrictions on large gatherings and travelling are still in place. It might interest you to know that some of our members have ventured into other businesses due to the hardship inflicted on operations by the pandemic.

We have a handful but the majority that survived are back in business.

Considering the location of your business, what has changed in the travelling pattern among Nigerians and what has been its effect on the sector?

Your observation is right because the pandemic has changed the pattern and cost of travelling across the country.

There is no doubt about that given the measures put in place by the government on vaccination, self-isolation on arrival and before departure, COVID-19 tests and of these entire still affect movement around the world and even the domestic travel sector.

The theme of 2021 World Tourism Day is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” that is focusing on growth and inclusive recovery, what is the place of hospitality in the hotel that welcomes all?

When we talk about tourism, hospitality comes first before all other arrangements and considerations. At the thought of any destination, the basic issue that comes to mind is where will I stay for comfort or rest my head. Hotel is important after tourism arrival.

Hotels are one of the fastest-growing sectors in the tourism sector and it is truly justified as accommodation is the key part of the development of any country or region’s tourism. Remember the five sectors of tourism are transportation, accommodation, food and beverage, recreation and entertainment, and travel services.

As an association, we are also deeply involved in tourism and we are glad that the government through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture played a leading role in celebrating the day. No tourist plans without settling his accommodation ahead of travelling.

Proliferation has become a challenge in the hotel sector, what measures has the association put in place to check this development?

It is not about the feeling of the association but we have found ourselves economically in the country. Nobody wishes to lose his or her means of livelihood.

However, people who have had challenges with living have suddenly found the hotel industry as a safety net for succour. For example, a retiree with a block of four flats and whose pension payment is not forthcoming, rather than take to begging to eat may readily put his thoughts together and convert the apartment to offer hospitality services of manageable sizes to provide tolerable comfort.

This is an industry that has become an all-comers affair because you don’t need a special qualification. That explains proliferation in the sector.

However, the association is working with government agencies to mitigate this.

We are working with the Lagos State Safety Commission to ensure operators, especially our members, maintain the minimum standard.

Also, we are working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Environment, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency to make sure the minimum standard is adhered to.

Talking about minimum standard, recently, a fellow lodger was accused of killing a female lodger in Ikeja was sent to jail. What is your take on this laxity on the part of the hotelier?

First, our association made it mandatory for the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic sections of hotels and along the corridors with minimum security at the gate.

Also, proper data capturing of guests is important and this includes next of keen documentation for any mishap. Besides, our association works closely with Police stations in the neighbourhood where they operate.

That means the hotelier was careless despite surveillance…

You can’t say we are careless because we are not bound to monitor whoever is in the room after checks have been conducted. When a person lodges, he/she needs privacy and as a guest, they must be accorded privacy. However, for one person to leave his room to murder in another room lives much to be desired.

The CCTV camera must have given the identity of the murderer, his arrest and prosecution.

Unfortunately, it happened. Nobody knows what transpired between the murdered lady and the accused man. Sometimes, people meet and become friends in hotels. Within a short period, they exchange visits from one room to the other. The murder was unfortunate.

What is your take on secret camera installation in hotel rooms? Is this part of the standards or CCTV for security you addressed earlier?

That conduct is beyond security as far as we are concerned.

It was a condemnable act. Guests need absolute privacy. Once the door opens and closes, hotel operators must accord lodgers privacy.

The installation of a secret camera in a hotel room is an invasion of the privacy of guests, and it is condemnable. In Lagos, none of our members will do that.

As the President, what are plans for the association?

The first is to bring in as many as possible operator into the fold. This has been working out fine and we have been able to bring the Ibeju-Lekki zone come on board. Also, we need to step up the status of the association and we are getting the right recognition.

Besides, I want to encourage our members to sustain the minimum standard, share experiences, training and ideas that will be mutually beneficial.

(Daily Independent)

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