RadissonBlu Anchorage Lagos, leading international hospitality group promoted the rich and diverse Nigeria’s cultural heritage during the celebration of World Tourism Day marked globally on the 27th September, this year.
This was befitting with this year’s theme of celebrating tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development and the role it plays in promoting respect while generating opportunities for millions of people across the globe.
An epoch event which displays the culture, food, traditions, dance and other elements of the different regions in Nigeria, attendees were fully clad in native costumes and clothing that showcases Nigeria’s beautiful and diverse confluence of colors.
Speaking on global theme of this year’s World Tourism Day celebration, “Tourism for Inclusive Growth,” the General Manager of the hotel, Ahmed Raza in his welcome speech praised Nigeria and Nigerians for continuously being a leading destination in Africa and the world that is welcoming and accommodating to all. This he said, is a distinct honor to the country and the region in general.
“Nigeria and Nigerians are welcoming at all times, and they do this so effortlessly. And we at RadissonBlu Anchorage Lagos are here to buttress that exceptional welcoming and hospitable experience synonymous to Nigeria and Nigerians,” Raza stated.
He further stressed that, as part of the Radisson Hotel Group’s responsible business initiative, the hotel is supporting up and coming tourism players through business mentorship and availing partnership opportunities. He thanked the hotel partners present at the event.
Key part of the event was the representation of the different Nigerian regions by cultural ambassadors who showcased the rich cultural diversity of the country through their dressings, natural tourism product in those respective regions and its cuisine.
In his short speech, South Africa’s Consul General in Lagos, Darkey Africa described tourism as an important tool in uniting Africans detailing the historical relationship between Nigeria and South Africa which precedes the 1960s.
He stated that, there is an imbedded potential to explore the possibilities of growing the Nigerian local Tourism as it is being done in other countries such as the UAE and South Africa where the later has rolled out the “Short Left ” campaign for locals to take advantage of the local tourism packages on offer.
Different Nigerian foods including masa and couscous representing the North; amala and akara which are South Western delicacies; popular Nigeria jollof rice and palm-wine among others all served in traditional calabash were delicacies enjoyed at the event.
World Tourism Day is a United Nations recognized global celebration of tourism held every 27th September annually.
The event was well attended by the hotel’s clients at the hotel’s iconic Surface Bar which overlooks the Lagos lagoon and offers captivating views of the sprawling Lagos Island truncated by the encroaching Ikoyi surrounds to the east.
The event was held in line with the prevailing Covid19 protocols of social distancing, sanitizing, and wearing of masks while the body temperature of guests was checked at the entrance. The array of hotel’s clients included those of the diplomatic community, the head s of business, the travel trade, and some well-known celebrities.
The attendants were given an update of the hotel’s just completed ambitious renovation project which saw all the hotel rooms being revamped, including the Swimming pool, the gym, and the business lounge just to enhance the guest comfort and convenience during their stay.
There are further plans to continue to revive the hotel to meet and exceed clients’ expectation synonymous with the Radisson brand promise of creating memorable moments.
