Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., operators of the popular and luxury global hospitality group Hilton Hotels, has opened a new hotel at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The new establishment, which is named Legend Lagos Airport Hotel, is Hilton’s first presence in Lagos and the second in the whole of Nigeria. It is located right adjacent MMIA’ private jet terminal.
The newly-opened hotel is also Hilton’s first Curio Collection in Africa. The Curio is an upscale hotel brand within the Hilton portfolio, which was first introduced in 2014 and with a presence in seven countries.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Hilton announced this development today while also noting that it’s part of its strategic plan to expand in the next five years.
The company’s President and CEO, Chris Nassetta, recently commented on this development. In his own words:
“We continue to innovate in Africa with new brands and products, and we are pleased to introduce our Curio Collection brand here with the opening of Legend Hotel Lagos Airport.
“As the continent continues to undergo rapid urbanisation, with the UN forecasting that the world’s 10 fastest-growing cities will all be in Africa by 2035, this hotel is a part of our strategy to connect guests to key cities and airport locations across the region.”
Hilton is not the only global hotel scrambling for Africa
Hilton Group has plans to open many more hotels across Africa, specifically in places like Ghana, Uganda, and Malawi, etc.
But the hotel is not even the only one that is steadily positioning its presence across different African countries. According to Reuters, such hotel brands such as Marriott International, Hyatt Hotels and Radisson Hospitality have been clamouring for space in countries like Nigeria where the middle class keeps rising.
Radisson’s Senior Vice President, Mr Andrew McLachlan, recently disclosed ongoing plans to establish about ten new hotels across the continent.
These new hotels pose competition threat to already existing ones
Nigeria has a huge hospitality potential, which has enabled so many hotels to thrive in the past. This success will continue in view of these developments, although the competition will definitely stiffen up. In other words, the likes of Eko Hotels & Suites and Intercontinental Hotels may have to up their game as new ones emerge on the scene.
