Lagos, May 6, 2024 – The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it is partnering the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and Lagos State Government to enforce standardisation in hotel services across the state.
Dr Ifeanyi Chukwunonso-Okeke, the Director-General of SON, said this during a standardisation conference organised by the agency for tourism and related services industry in Lagos.
The conference had the the theme: “Implementing International Best Practices in Hospitality Businesses”.
Chukwunonso-Okeke said that standardisation was important to strengthening quality in tourism businesses in Nigeria.
He said that in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, it had become necessary to redefine the direction to ensure Nigerian tourism businesses are acceptable to all markets, locally and internationally.
“Today, SON is collaborating with private sector umbrella body, FTAN, and Lagos State government authorities, to implement existing international and national standards.
“These are: NIS ISO 22483:2021- hotels service requirements and NIS 489:2020- hotels and serviced accommodation management system and rating, requirements and guidance for use.
“These are built into a certification scheme to carry out certification of hospitality establishments within Nigeria.
“SON certification will ensure international best practices in the different tourism business operations.
“In hospitality establishments, it will steer up the zeal for hospitality businesses to adequately train their staff and ensure consistence in their service delivery,” he said.
Chukwunonso-Okeke said SON’s certification would add value to the hospitality establishments.
He said it would also assist them to compete globally, improve reputation, increase confidence of employers and employees as well as earning power
He said tourism being one of the largest employer of labour in Nigeria and capable of gainfully engaging the youth, could also increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
According to him, most countries in Europe and Africa who survive on tourism businesses have come into Nigeria as investors to put in huge funds in building hospitality establishments.
He said most of these nations had gone as far as acquiring leading international brands in the hospitality sector to make their businesses preferred to their competitors.
“It is important to mention that some investors come to Nigeria because they are aware that Nigerian tourism market is open and has less competition in the aspect of quality.
“Nigeria has what any country needs to boost its economy in tourism. We have unique tourist sites, rich culture and population.
“Nigerian tourism experts participate actively in national, regional and international tourism standardisation activities.
“Their contributions in the development of ISO Standards for accommodation, restaurants and adventure tourism is still appreciated by the international standards community,” he said.
Earlier, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, underscored the importance of standardisation in the tourism industry.
Benson-Awoyinka, represented by Mrs Oloruntoyin Atekoja, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said standardisation played a pivotal role in ensuring quality, consistency and competitiveness within the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Benson-Awoyinka said standardisation remained the cornerstone on which the tourism industry could thrive on global stage.
“Embracing international best practices not only elevates our offerings, but also strengthens our position as a premier destination for travellers seeking unforgettable experiences.
“While we acknowledge the challenges in meeting international standards, we also recognise the immense opportunities that standardisation brings for growth, innovation and sustainable development within our industry.
“Let me reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Lagos state government in supporting initiatives that promote standardisation and excellence in tourism and hospitality related services.
“It is in line with this standardisation that the ministry is currently digitising its hotel licensing processes and other regulatory activities.
“As we all know that true progress can only be achieved through collaborative efforts.
“I, therefore, encourage all stakeholders, government agencies, industry players, academia, and international bodies to work hand-in-hand toward implementing international best practices and setting new benchmarks of success,” she said.
Mr Nkereuwem Onung, the National President of FTAN, said standardisation in the tourism industry was long overdue as he advised tourism practitioners to embrace collaborations.
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