Tourism
From The Report: Nigeria 2013
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With the global tourism industry hit hard during the financial crisis and growth slowing in larger markets, international hotels and tourism experts are looking at new opportunities for expansion. Capital investment is set to rise by 7.6% in 2013 to $1.89bn. Internationally branded hotels dominate the market, with several new projects in the pipeline for Lagos and Abuja in particular. Business travellers and visitors working in the oil and gas sector or supporting services are key contributors to the travel industry. While the Nigerian market has its share of challenges, including security concerns, limited infrastructure and a complex visa process, tourism has strong growth potential.

This chapter contains an interview with Hassan Ahdab, Vice-President, Regional Director Africa and Indian Ocean Island, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Gaining momentum: Increasing foreign investment and improving local infrastructure can boost growth potential
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With the global tourism industry hit hard during the financial crisis and growth slowing in larger markets, international hotels and tourism experts are looking at new opportunities for expansion. The historically small industry in West Africa in general, and Nigeria in particular, looks set to become a more attractive destination for foreign investment, with capital investment in the country’s tourism sector expected to rise by 7.6% in 2013 to a total of N299.3bn ($1.89bn), according to a…

Interview

A booming market: OBG talks to Hassan Ahdab, Vice-President, Regional Director for Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide
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Interview: Hassan Ahdab With modest visitor numbers, how important are non-room revenues and amenities in West Africa? HASSAN AHDAB: The West African market actually presents vast opportunities. The market is booming and therefore non-room revenue and amenities don’t have to play a massive role. As far as growth goes, the continent is showing remarkable trends in a number of areas that we believe provide substantial growth prospects for the leisure and tourism industry as a whole. For…