The Swiss Education Group Hosts The Hospitality Workshop Africa
Nigeria is now Africa’s biggest economy after the rebasing of its economy in 2013. For the 2015 fiscal year, a total of ₦250 billion was set aside in federal appropriations as capital and recurrent expenditure for the hospitality industry. Over 2,000,000 jobs were created in 2014 by the sub-sector contributing 3.6% to the total employment. The hospitality industry is projected to show 2.4 percent growth in GDP by mid-2015 and to rise by 5.8% p.a. in ten years.
Recognizing the impact the hospitality industry has in Nigeria, The Swiss Education Group, a world leader in Hospitality Management Education, and Ink Business Design, organized The Hospitality Workshop Africa. The aim of the event was to explore career opportunities, provide business knowledge and insight, highlight challenges and solutions in the hospitality and tourism industry, and create awareness for the Swiss Education Group training facilities.
Benoit Samson, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, SEG, made clear his believe in the potential of Nigerian students due to his experience with Nigerian Alumni from the SEG and hopes to make this opportunity available to even more Nigerians.
Some of the industry leaders present at the event were Sally Mbanefo, Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation; Benoit Samson, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Swiss Education Group; Obinna Ekezie, CEO Wakanow, the first online travel portal with expertise in tourism in Africa and around the world; Funmi Victor-Okigbo, CEO No Surprises events; Nkem Odewunmi, CEO Food Fashion Fusion; Belinda Nwosu, Research Consultant, W Hospitality Group, Nigeria and Kushal Dutta, Managing Director Jovago, Lagos, Nigeria.
The workshop brought together a host of industry leaders and created an avenue for one-on-one interaction and consultation. There was a massive turnout, as one would expect, considering the hospitality industry is one of the major areas of employment.
For young Nigerians starting out on their university journey or those considering a change in career, the hospitality industry presents a plethora of exciting opportunities. Hospitality careers go beyond hotel jobs and span across luxury event management, culinary arts, travel, tourism, and hospitality management.
