IHTEF 2017 which held 4th – 5th April 2017 lived up to expectation as the hospitality and tourism event of the year with a very impressive gathering of minds including tourism enthusiasts, hotel operators, managers, government, other policy makers, suppliers and indeed hospitality and tourism students.
With focus on Big Data, Hotel Workforce Development and Revenue Management, IHTEF 2017 provided a knowledge platform for operators to learn fresh ideas, express themselves and of course equip their minds with insights on how to take on the industry in the coming years.
IHTEF 2017 was declared open by His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Governor, Imo State, who was properly represented by Engr. Obinna Nshirim, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Tourism & Public Utilities. Goodwill messages from Special Guests including the Director General of NIHOTOUR Mrs. Chika Balogun who was represented by the South East Zonal Cordinator, Mrs. Stella Nwosu and Comrade Preye Ketebu-Brown, Vice President (Afroca), World Assembly of Youth, Melaka, Malaysia.
While welcoming participants to IHTEF 2017 the Executive Director, Chibuikem Diala in these words said “It is always with excitement to see this gathering of hospitality and tourism professionals seating with other great minds and enthusiasts in the industry with one goal- “building hospitality excellence”. Our mandate is clear, our assignment is very lucid and that is to ensure we do what we do in this industry with simplicity and knowledge, with innovation and expertise, with passion and unyielding commitment that produces sustainable results.”
This year’s Forum with the theme “Roadmap to Excellence; Pathways to Progress” was indeed a mixture of class, aesthetics, knowledge and opportunities all rolled in one. Among the Keynote Speakers is Ikechi Uko- a man who is best described as an enigma and a tourism Prophet. With a very powerful delivery on “Hospitality & Tourism Excellence Versus Progress in Sub-National Governments in Africa” the stage was set for mind boggling revelations that will last beyond this season.
Dr Micheal Pinder, Group Managing Director, Sun Heaven Resort & Hotels, took the forum a notch higher with a very deep presentation- “Beyond 2020: Disruptions and Disruptors Confronting the Hotel Industry in Nigeria.
The third Keynote “Marketing, Big Data & Revenue Growth for Hotels” was excellently delivered by Osasere Adams Otis, Head Consultant, Calvini Adams. He coached participants on how to profitably drive growth and sustain sales in their hotel using novel marketing strategies, big data and the social media.
In addition, four IHTEF High Level Panel discussions were featured within the two days event with insightful deliberations. The IHTEF-High Level Panel is momentous, crucial discussion sessions that will xray critical pathways to sustainable Hospitality & Tourism development. 1. “Women in Hospitality”. 2. “Hospitality and Tourism Excellence.” 3. “State of Hospitality in Imo: Buildings, Structures or Service” 4. “IHTEF Managers Circus” (IMC). The (IMC) for hotel owners, managers and workers with focus on workforce development.
The “Women in Hospitality” panel was introduced this year to help bring to the fore, the huge contributions of women to the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria. It further serves as a platform to discuss and enable the continued relevance and dominance of women in the sector.
IHTEF is organized by Sustainable Eco6tem Limited. It is an annual hospitality and tourism event that is made possible with support from partners. This year, our Strategic Partners include Imo State Ministry of Information, Tourism and Public Utilities, Hotel Human Capital & Roomsandvenues.com.
Our IHTEF 2017 supporters include- Villa Garden Hotel, Owerri, Oxygen Hotel, Owerri, Jaymorr Pharmacy, Davaus Water, Witihub Solutions, Blue Rock Real Estate, Xtraval Consulting, and Arsenal Golf & Country Club, Obinze, among others.
1 comment
Nice read. ..looking forward to next year’s