…to converge tourism, hospitality leaders from across the continent in Accra
What first started as the Ghana Cocktail Festival in 2016, metamorphosing into Hospitality Awards Ghana (HAG) – as a recognition scheme to celebrate and appreciate the very hardworking ‘Heads of Departments’ in the hotel industry with a maiden edition in 2019 – has now, nine years since, blossomed into the distinguished Hospitality, Tourism Conference & Expo (HTCE).
Over the past 6 years, the awards programme has had over 1000 nominations and recognised over 150 winners (individuals and institutions) across the continent. An annual affair that has become a force to be reckoned with within the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) stratosphere, the transitioned maiden 2025 HTCE is scheduled to take place at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel from July 17 – 18.
Over the two days, there’ll be much knowledge exchanges in addition to a business-to-business (b2b) exposition of hospitality, tourism and travel-related activities exploring the latest innovations and products in MICE and hospitality amenities and equipment showcasing audiovisual products, housekeeping wares – including linens, crockery and tableware, food and beverage supplies like wines, spirits & glassware – as well as travel and tour experiences.
Launching as the ultimate MICE event in West Africa, the ‘2025 HTCE’ is poised to make a bold statement as the fresh crucible for industry ideas and direction. It is expected to bring together thought leaders in hospitality and tourism from across the African continent and beyond to a groundbreaking convergence for deep dives into the balancing of global standards, with localised flavours. PaJohn Dadson looks at how this year’s theme, ‘Standardized Processes, Personalized Experiences: Unlocking Hospitality’s Dual Advantage’, is set to ensure value for engagement and deliberations.
Among the key features to be discussed at the breakout sessions at the 2025 Hospitality, Tourism Conference & Expo will be key performance indicators (KPIs) that organisations can use to track the success of their efforts in balancing standardised service with personalised guest experiences.
At its heart, hospitality is about people and experiences. Following its seven principles – self-awareness, guest awareness, connection, authenticity, anticipation, alignment and presence, actionable values as they are – can transform the guest experience; and set brands apart in a crowded market.
Appreciating a wide spectrum of individuals and institutions working to advance hospitality and tourism in Africa, the Hospitality and Tourism Conference & Expo, at its core, is expected to bring together influential hospitality executives, innovators, tourism authorities and policy-makers from across the continent to deliberate solutions for the future.
It has the primary aim of exploring how the hospitality sector can integrate global best practices with localised adaptations that reflect the unique cultural, emotional and personal expectations of today’s diverse guests.
Carefully curated with featured keynote addresses, expert presentations and panel discussions, the conference is designed to equip participants with actionable strategies and real-world examples of how leading hospitality brands are striking the perfect balance between operational consistency and personalised service delivery.
Panelists on various breakout stages will feature seasoned industry and academic experts, including Emmanuel Frimpong, President of African Tourism Research Network & CEO Pishon Consult Ltd.; Professor Ishmael Mensah, Hea of Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Cape Coast; Lydia Nduati, Chief Executive Officer, Reddington Beach Resort; Mr. Ogunkeyede Ajibola, CEO of Ufitely, Nigeria; Dr. Eric Mekwuye, CEO Hospitality Business School, Lagos; and Thomas Noll, General Manager, Hotel 2 Fevrier Lome, Togo, who is also the Board Chair of Hospitality Awards Africa.
They will be present to lead and provide clear guidance on how to align these KPIs with broader business goals, ensuring a performance-driven approach to guest satisfaction and profitability.
Also on the bill will be Priscilla M. Wellington, Founder & CEO, Customer Service Africa & Green Trek Tours; Jemima Odonkor, Hospitality Solutions Lead of Signature Hospitality and Business Services & GuestCare Essentials; David Eduaful, Managing Director, Labadi Beach Hotel; Justina A. Ovat, Performance Consulting, Service Designer, Hospitality L&D Specialist and Quality Assessor; and Mindset Coach Consultant from John C. Maxwell Leadership Coach, Delasie Dogbey.
All these exceptional leaders in their respective fields will unpack the critical role of global standards in enhancing service quality and brand reputation, while also demonstrating how these standards can be sensitively adapted to reflect local culture, community identity and guest expectations in total.
Eugene Vidzro, the Executive Director of Ninety Degrees – organisers of the event, emphasises that the event “will present a deep dive into how emerging trends in guest analytics, artificial intelligence and digital innovation are reshaping the future of the hospitality industry. We will also explore how data-driven insights enable businesses to offer customised services without compromising on efficiency or structural discipline”.
“Equally important is the human factor,” notes Vidzro, stating that another major presentation will highlight how “empowering staff through targeted training programmes can improve service delivery, nurture creativity and cultivate cultural sensitivity among service teams.”
Other panels will examine the value of infusing local culture into global hospitality brands, offering practical methods for blending personal touches with brand consistency to enhance guest experiences. The experts will further share examples of how hospitality businesses are partnering with local artisans, vendors and cultural institutions not only to offer guests an authentic experience, but also to stimulate local economic growth.
HTCE promotes industry innovation. For Vidzro and his team at 90 Degrees, it’s not just a two-day talk shop, it’s a “gateway to strategic partnerships, collaborative projects and lasting industry impacts”.
It is a long-term vision to provide opportunity for hospitality and tourism brands to showcase their visibility with purpose, positioning themselves among decision-makers and trendsetters. Aiming to attract high-level delegates from across the continent has been the highlight of their planning efforts, particularly this year. The international interest, says Vidzro, has been phenomenal.
Opportunities still exist to build on your brand credentials by participating in the upcoming event this year. Look them up on their social media pages. Promising a great deal of knowledge sharing, the transitioned maiden edition of HTCE is scheduled to take place over two days at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel from July 17 – 18.
