Starwood Hotels Commits To Nigeria’s Economic Growth

With the Nigeria hospitality sector experiencing rapid growth with new hotels opening across the country, Starwood Hotels and Resort World-wide has pledged its commitment to the economic development of Nigeria, especially in the areas of employment generation and nurturing of professionals for the hospitality sector.The hotel management group demonstrated this commitment at the formal opening of Four Points By Sheraton in the Lekki Area of Lagos. Starwood Vice President for Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Pacific, Mr. Hassan Ahdab, who led a strong management team to the occasion, said Nigeria remains a strong market for the Starwood group.
“Nigeria is a strong focus market for Starwood and we are committed to further growth in this country – Good People, Great Nation,’’ said Ahdah, adding that ‘the climate for development in Nigeria is quite steady and healthy. Almost all the positions at this property are filled by local workers.’’
According to Ahdah, the city of Lagos presently boast about 7, 500 international visitors daily and  with the addition of the new hotel, the business environment would be enhanced  and the employment figures in the state and the country going higher as well .
“The addition of Four Points By Sheraton to this centre of commerce has definitely enhanced the business community and positively impacted employment figures in the state and consequently the overall development of the country.’’
According to him, Starwood is one of the world’s leading hotel companies with heavy presence in rapidly developing markets such as Africa. With over 2, 000 personnel working in its various operations across the country, Ahdab said the opening of new properties in the country will lead to the further creation of new jobs and training opportunities for Nigerians.
He added that the hotel has come to fill the void in the hospitality sector at a very competitive price level while also at the same time complementing the services rendered by Lagos Sheraton Hotel, which is also being managed by the group.
The hotel, which has now formally opened to the public, is a 234 - room affair with word-class  facilities. The sponsor of the hotel is Ocean Winds Hospitality Limited, a special purpose vehicle set up by Asset and Resource Management (ARM) Company Limited.
This new hotel brings Starwood managed hotels in Nigeria to five. The others are Lagos and Abuja Sheraton Hotels, Le Meridien Hotel and Ogeyi Place, Port Harcourt and Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.