Travel and tourism industry contributed over N7 trillion to Nigeria’s GDP in 2024.

Friday, September 26, 2025 - As the world marks World Tourism Day 2025 today, under the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” Karl Hala, Group General Manager of Continental Hotels, has advocated the need for urgent action to position Nigeria as Africa’s hospitality leader. 

He described the Nigeria hospitality industry as a sector on the rise. 

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, Nigeria’s travel and tourism sector contributed overN7 trillion to GDP in 2024 — nearly 5% of the economy — and supported 3.3 million jobs, with youth making up the majority. Investment in branded hotels continues to grow, with Nigeria now offering more than 9,000 international-standard rooms. 

Describing the Continental Hotels success story Hala said: “Many doubted our vision when we embarked on our mega expansion, but we believed in Nigeria’s potential. Today, our flagship hotel is multi-award-winning, employing hundreds, serving thousands, and showing what is possible when vision, structure, and courage come together.” 

Hala, stressed that Nigeria has all it takes to lead Africa in tourism: cultural diversity, natural assets, a vibrant youth population, and a global diaspora eager to reconnect. 

He noted that the country must build strong national structures and own its hospitality brand story to compete globally. 

At Continental Hotels, that story is expressed as “Cradle of Humanity” — a narrative Hala believes should be amplified nationally and internationally. 

Highlighting the role of young Nigerians, Hala cited a success within Continental Hotels where a 23-year-old trainee developed a digital concierge tool that halved guest response times. “The future of Nigerian hospitality is not just in tall buildings, but in the creativity of our young workforce,” he said. 

Hala outlined three urgent priorities for Nigeria’s hospitality industry:Tell a Compelling National Story, build real structures and invest in youth and innovation. 

He added: “World Tourism Day is more than a celebration,” Hala concluded. “It is a reminder that Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The opportunity is here, the time is now, and the world is watching.”