How Nigeria’s hospitality sector is navigating COVID-19 headwinds

The global business landscape has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Africa's hospitality industry has not been spared from the effects. With just under 100 hotels across the continent, the Radisson Hotel Group is aiming to expand its presence to 150 hotels in the next five years. Moyo Ogunseinde, the Executive Director of Anchorage Leisures, the company that owns Radisson Blu Anchorage, sat down with CNBC Africa to discuss how Nigeria's hospitality sector is weathering the challenges posed by the pandemic. Ogunseinde shared insights on the strategies implemented by the company to navigate the COVID-19 headwinds and accelerate recovery. One of the key areas of focus has been on innovation and renovation. The company has invested $3 million in renovating bedrooms and essential public areas to enhance the guest experience and ensure safety. Additionally, Anchorage Leisures has introduced contactless check-in, express check-outs, and breakfast bags to provide a seamless and safe environment for guests. Leveraging technology has also been crucial during this period, with features such as video conferencing facilities and partnerships with Microsoft to offer virtual meeting solutions. The company has prioritized flexibility in reservations, pricing, and service offerings to meet the evolving needs of guests. Ensuring the safety of employees has been a top priority, with continuous screening in place to detect any potential infections early on. These proactive measures have resulted in a steady increase in occupancy rates, with expectations to return to pre-pandemic levels by November. The shift in customer dynamics has been notable, with an increase in leisure travelers utilizing the hotel during weekends as corporate travel remains limited. Despite projections of a 20% slowdown in pipeline growth due to COVID-19, Ogunseinde remains hopeful for a return to normalcy by January, emphasizing the industry's readiness to bounce back once travel restrictions ease. The resilience and adaptability demonstrated by the Radisson Hotel Group in Nigeria's hospitality sector serve as a testament to the industry's determination to overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic and emerge stronger on the other side.