BON Hotels seek end to dollarisation of hospitality sector

The management of Bon Hotel Octagon, an affiliate of BON Hotels, international hotel brands in Nigeria, charges clients in naira to assist the government’s efforts of re-energising the economy.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja about the activities of the hotel towards the unveiling of the flagship of the hotel in Abuja, BON Hotel Octagon, the Deputy Director of Commercial and Special Duties of the hotel, Sandra Ogbahor, said it was important to collaborate with the government for a conducive environment where businesses could thrive.

Sandra said the BON brand prided itself in supporting local economic development initiatives and adhering to regulations and standards set by the government while developing local economy and expertise.

She further said, “BON Hotels is the only international hospitality group to charge fees in local currency in Nigeria, in addition to selecting and endorsing a hospitality training institute that trains Nigerians at all levels with international accreditation.

“Also, we are the only international hotel group to be affiliated with a local technology company to ensure that cutting-edge hospitality technology and other IT solutions are indeed optimal, naira- driven and easy to maintain.”

Sandra, while recommending the government for the steps taken to encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through tax holidays for new companies, among other steps, implored the government to address infrastructure challenges that had telling effects on returns on investment.

She said, “BON Hotels is advocating for the government to streamline administrative processes, improve infrastructure, and enhance security measures to create a more conducive environment for business expansion.”

According to her, BON Hotels’ collaboration with the government since its inception in Nigeria 10 years ago has resulted in 27 hotels in 10 states while 37 more are currently being developed.

She said the hotel planned to have 95 hotels in a few years to cover the 36 states of the nation, adding that the 225-room flagship Octagon in Abuja was billed for unveiling on February 14, 2024.