It is no longer news that Transcorp Hilton Abuja will be hosting the world at the 24th edition of World Economic Forum (WEF) on Africa from May 7 – 9, 2014.
The concern is the preparedness of the premier hotel to host the world in the Nigerian capital where most foreigners think is relatively unsafe.
But Etienne Gailliez, general manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja and his team, assure of their readiness to fete global economy leaders, make the Hilton brand stand out and also demystify the insecurity issue portrayed in bad light by some foreign media.
Fortunately, the hotel’s choice comes after a diligent evaluation of Nigeria’s hotels’ facilities and services by a special committee of the WEF. “Transcorp Hilton won the hosting rights against the background of its pedigree at successfully hosting international conferences and events coupled with its world-class facilities and vintage Hilton quality standard of service delivery,” Gailliez noted.
As well, the hotel management is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that delegates to the WEF on Africa get a world-class experience while showcasing the very best of Hilton quality service delivery and vintage Nigerian hospitality.
And in a very dynamic world of security, Transcorp Hilton has been described by a social critic as the “most secured location in Abuja after Aso Rock.” Safety and security, of course, remain a major reason the hotel is the choice location for international events like the WEF. Commenting on security, Shola Adeyemo, public relations manager of the hotel, said: “The well-being, safety and security of our guests are of paramount importance and we continue to make every effort to ensure that all practises and standards are in line with strict safety and security regulations.”
Yet, the hotel owners who are honoured to be the host of the WEF are also giving their full support. For Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO, Transnational Hotels and Tourism Services Limited (owners of Transcorp Hilton Abuja), a cherished history of successful hosting of high profile international events, was the key to clinching the hosting of WEF.
As part of preparations for the epoch event, the hotel’s team successfully served Nigerian lunch to 1800 guests at the recently concluded World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Following the success recorded by Transcorp Hilton Abuja in serving Nigerian dishes in Davos, President Goodluck Jonathan urged the hotel to “replicate the 100 percent delivery of service known only to the Hilton at WEF.
Impressed at Davos, the president invited the Hilton team to take pictures with him as a sign of his endorsement of the hotel serving Nigerian lunch to the delegates in May 2014, when the World Economic Forum comes to Nigeria.
No doubt, the three-day event expected to draw over 1000 participants from more than 80 countries to Abuja to discuss the continent’s integration agenda and a renewed commitment to sustainable growth and development, will test the facilities and services of the hotel to the limit. But the hotel’s general manager assures that Transcorp has done it before and will do it even better now.
Speaking on the facilities, Adeyemo noted that with 670 well-appointed art-décor bedrooms including 240 suites on 10 floors, the hotel was well prepared to offer delegates more than a night rest in the rooms.
Yet, high-profile personalities attending the event have better options with the two floors dedicated to executive accommodation, and serviced exclusively by the Executive Floor Team.
The Executive Floor is the hotel within the hotel, complete with an exclusive lounge. The Executive Lounge opens 24 hours daily and offers complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks and refreshment, cocktails from 5pm and local/international newspapers and magazines. Little wonder the hotel has remained the location of choice for high-profile international conferences, meetings and conventions. Wi-Fi is available in all the hotel’s bedrooms and public spaces.
With 30 Presidential Suites, the hotel has the enviable record of hosting 54 heads of states and their entourage under one roof at the same time. This feat was achieved during the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) in 2003.
For meetings and events that result in a lasting impression, the Transcorp Hilton Abuja has a special allure with its enviable selection of meeting and event facilities. From small meetings to international conventions, the hotel offers a choice of 24 multi-purpose built meeting rooms (all with natural daylight, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi internet access) and the 1200 capacity Congress Centre. Connected by a covered walkway, the Congress Centre has been designed to offer maximum flexibility allied with state-of-the-art audio-visual and facilities. The hotel’s Hilton Meetings professionals approach every event with dedicated focus and unbridled enthusiasm. A further resource benefits are the Business Centre and Executive Secretariat offering the highest level of technology, which makes the hotel an ideal ‘nerve centre’ for large and complex events.
Away from meetings and business of the day, guests can experience local life onsite at the Handicraft Village. They can rejuvenate in the 24-hour fitness centre, take a dip in the outdoor pool, play tennis, squash or badminton, or try their luck at the casino. Guests also have a choice of eight fabulous restaurants and bars at this Abuja hotel.
Savour Mediterranean dishes at Zuma Restaurant or sample Mongolian delights from the barbecue at Oriental Restaurant. Listen to soothing piano music at the 24-hour Piano Lounge or sip on cool cocktails at Fulani Pool bar and admire this Abuja hotel’s stunning landscaped gardens. Should the guest prefer in-room dining, a 24-hour room service caters for his/her culinary preference. For a night cap, the Capital Bar offers live band entertainment daily while the Safari Night Club opens weekends.
“The fact is that our hotel is ever ready, from facility standards to service standards, for these high-profile events. We just successfully hosted 32 heads of states invited to the recent Nigeria’s Centenary celebration. Having said that, we are working round the clock to ensure that everything critical to the successful hosting of WEF is in place. Our team members are eager to channel their energy to deliver a world-class experience to all the WEF delegates,” Adeyemo said.
OBINNA EMELIKE
