international operators. This market is booming with Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal in the top 10 of growth market in Sub-Saharan Africa for the hospitality sector. Numerous hotel chains have announced ambitious expansion plans for the coming years. Mykar`s Africa Hotel & Resort Expansion Forum gathered Developers, Investors, Regulators, Construction Companies, Architects, Solution Providers, Financial Institutes and Associations in a focused two-day program designed to enhance business. Panel discussions and presentations elaborated on future strategies of expansion, operations efficiency, architecture & design generation and updated technologies required for guaranteeing customer satisfaction and success.

While there were a number of outstanding speakers at the event, Out of this outlook, it became clear that Nigeria is in largest economy among African countries with second most hotel developments for the upcoming years. For the 2nd presentation of the day, presented by Dr. Wasiu Babalola, Managing Director, West Africa, Swiss International Hotels. Dr. Babalola started off by showing the introduction and Conceptualization of hotel operation and marketing. He then went on the trends of hotel operating and marketing followed by Industry Brand Offerings – Case study of Swiss International. Many questions were asked regarding the hotel operation and marketing efficiency and what this will mean for tourism and hospitality development.

After this speech, the floor was handed over to Mr. Anu-Rotimi Agboola, Head of Enterprise Display Solutions Unit, Samsung Business. Rotimi gave an impressive speech of how Samsung hospitality solutions enhance the customer experience and satisfaction for today's hotels in Africa. After the first tea break, the focus was shifted to expanding opportunities in the African hospitality industry. We heard it from Mr. Amaechi Ndili, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lionstone Group & Golden Tulip West Africa Hospitality Group.

Another main topic for the afternoon session was about brand expansion given by Mr. Bernard Cassar, Executive Director, Bon Hotels International West Africa. Mr. Jitesh Pamnani, General Manager, Lucky Fabres Plc shared ideas about challenges when designing and constructing hotels and the importance of good project management.

After the lucky draw session of African Sun Hotels, the chairman closed the first day of the panel by giving some remarks of what was discussed during the day and inviting everybody to the 2nd day of the event.

The second day started with the presentation of Chief Tomi Akingbogun, President of Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria. Chief Akingbogun showed the delegates about EXPANSION OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY SECTOR IN NIGERIA. He showed The Nigerian tourism industry's various sectors are yet to have adequate development in quantity, quality and standards her tourism resources. After Chief Akingbogun's session, the delegates learned about the rise of West African hotel investment. Mr. Michael Cooper, Vice President Development, Sub-Saharan Africa, Hilton Worldwide showed throughout his presentation the development of Hilton worldwide from 2009-2015 in Africa and worldwide region. Mr. Chuks Ogboji JP, Hotel & Hospitality Management Consultant introduced the attendees to the process of hotel development and then the challenges, opportunities and the way forward.

Before Mr. Sunmonu Daud Gbenga, chairperson of Friday closed the conference, there was a lucky draw, sponsored by the Swiss International Hotels and Victoria Crown Plaza. We also want to extend our gratitude to all delegates for their active participations. Their questions spoke to the heart of the main issues facing the hospitality industry and their eagerness to build the industry is commendable. Mykar would like to express a special thanks to the sponsors of the Africa Hotel & Resort Expansion Forum: Samsung Business, Diversey, Somfy, Triax, Somfy, Nobel Carpets, Swiss International Hotels, Victoria Crown Plaza Hotel and African Sun Amber Residence Hotel as well as our Supporter, FTAN and Hilton Worldwide for their contributions to the event. We have no doubt that your contribution helped in making this event a success.