The General Manager of Lagos Continental Hotels, Karl Hala, who is referred to as Africa’s hospitality guru, has spent about three decades managing hospitality brands on the continent. He tellsYou have worked in the African hospitality sector for decades. What’s the attraction for you?
I came to Africa in 1985. I spent some time in Kenya before I moved to Zambia, where I stayed for another five years. I love Africa and its people and the culture. Anywhere I go, I do business with the people. I see differences in all my interactions with Africans and that makes me happy.There are some people who may disagree but as far as I’m concerned, the African hospitality industry is doing very well. I have travelled to many places in Europe and other continents.
Whenever one sees the ingenuity of Africa as is in Kenya, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria and many other countries on the continent, one would be tempted to visit the continent. It is a beauty totally undiscovered. However, I believe that with more marketing efforts and public relations, the continent will definitely improve for the better.Definitely, but to put all these in place will take time. Look at Europe now. Africa needs to always believe in itself.
What’s the essence of Tourism without security, no foreigner will visit a terrorist country