Since its debut in the Nigerian hospitality landscape a few years ago, the Continental Hotels Group has been making impacts; developing convention hubs, luxury accommodations, and youth-led talent.
Its journey in the hospitality industry started with the acquisition of two flagship properties. The first was the former Intercontinental in Lagos and later the Sheraton in Abuja, both now undergoing significant redevelopment under new names; Lagos Continental Hotel and Abuja Continental Hotel respectively.
Today, it is obvious that Nigeria’s hospitality landscape is entering a defining era, with Continental Hotels Group being one of the drivers of a wave of transformation in the burgeoning industry.
However, at the helm of the group’s rising profile is Karl Hala, the group managing director of the Nigeria-based hospitality company, whose vision combines world-class luxury with strong local roots.
So far, Hala has been managing the group’s two flagship properties; the Lagos Continental Hotel and Abuja Continental Hotel, successfully, amid facility upgrades and redevelopment activities.
“We are investing in creating African hospitality at its best,” Hala insisted.
Hala, an Austrian-born hospitality expert with over three decades career experience across Europe, Middle East, Caribbeans, and Africa, also offered details on the ongoing redevelopment at the Lagos and Abuja properties.
“In Lagos, the focus includes expansive wellness areas, upgraded culinary offerings, and premium recreation spaces,” he said.
On the other hand, Abuja’s transformation features a 2,500-seat convention center and a sports village equipped with tennis, pickleball, and state-of-the-art fitness facilities. Narrowing the Abuja redevelopment projects to a 2,500-seat convention center, Hala explained that convention tourism is a cornerstone of the group’s strategy.
“Nigeria has a vast demand for meetings and conferences,” Hala said, buttressing the rationale of the group’s focus.
“Between Abuja and Lagos, we aim to position ourselves as the signature of African hospitality.”
As the facilities are getting set to host big events, corporate and government outings, the group managing director disclosed that the facilities are modernized and designed to meet international standards, while appealing to both corporate and government events.
Apart from the focus on facility redevelopment, Hala noted that the group is committed to developing skilled human capital in the Nigerian hospitality industry. The above is the reason youth empowerment, according to Hala, sits at the heart of the group’s long-term plans.
Already, the company has developed a hospitality academy, in partnership with UNICEF, IOM, the Ministry of Communication, GIZ, TBS MB, ITPN, and multiple embassies. The academy is also impacting already by creating career pathways for young Nigerians.
“For sustainability, my answer is youth,” Hala said. “We want to show that there is a future in this industry, from entry-level to leadership. The academy will provide internationally recognized certifications and opening doors in Nigeria and abroad”.
As well, in today’s technology-driven world, the Continental Hotels Group has also adapted, amid huge emphasis on sustainability and technology across its operations.
According to the group managing director, the Abuja property is moving toward solar energy, while both hotels are integrating advanced digital systems to enhance the guest experience.
“We are rethinking everything from energy to mobile touchpoints,” Hala said.
The group is also impacting local communities and businesses through sustained priority to local sourcing, strong support for Nigerian farmers, artisans, and manufacturers.
“We believe in buying local,” Hala enthused. “This supports the economy and ensures authenticity in what we offer and in tandem with the Nigeria First Philosophy of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
As a Nigerian-based company, Hala noted that Continental Hotels Group vision is clear; ‘Nigeria connects to the world, and the world connects here’.
“Our mission is to make this country the leading hospitality hub in Africa, of which Continental Hotels are a proud part of that story.” This remains the cornerstone of our operations and cardinal objectives also. We remained the new era of luxury hospitality in Lagos and Abuja,” Hala concluded.
