In recent times, the adoption of technology and other innovative applications in the hospitality industry has been on the frontburner in major global and local conferences.
In reality, hotel chains are increasingly infusing technology in their daily operations and are reaping huge benefits; from improved visibility, to sustainable patronage and revenue, capacity building, among others.
Glocient Hospitality, managers of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Ekiti State, has in less than three years of its concessionary agreement with the Ekiti State government, turned around the resort.
While the improved patronage and visibility can be attributed to the total face-lift of the facilities at the resort by Glocient Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Cavista Holdings, the management noted that it has leveraged technology to reposition the resort to a must-visit destination in Nigeria for Nigerians seeking holiday gateway abroad, foreigners in the country and African diasporas visiting their roots.
At the just-concluded Hotel Managers Conference Africa (HMC Africa 2025), where the indigenous hospitality company made a bold statement on its growing role as one of Nigeria’s most forward-thinking hospitality brands, it also highlighted how technology has enabled it to scale up in service delivery, offering authentic experiences, become more efficient in operations, among others.
Speaking at HMC Africa 2025 high-level panel on “Technology in Hospitality: Innovations Shaping Guest Experience”, Lanre Balogun, general manager Glocient Hospitality, shared Glocient’s unique approach to integrating innovation with authenticity through the four-phase innovation project currently underway at Ikogosi resort.
The initiative, according to him, uses technology to enhance the guest experience through mobile storytelling guides, QR-coded trees, and digital cultural archives, all while maintaining the essence of the land’s ecological and cultural history.
Apart from the benefits of leveraging technology, Balogun also emphasised the role of a modern Property Management System (PMS) in personalising service and improving operational efficiency at Ikogosi.
“Glocient’s core belief is that technology in hospitality should not replace human connection, rather it should deepen it.
“At Ikogosi, innovation is used not just to modernise, but to connect visitors to something timeless and uniquely Nigerian,” Balogun noted.
As expected, the above reflected on his rich insights at the HMC Africa 2025 panel.
Meanwhile, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State, who visited Glocient’s booth at the conference, commended the outfit for revitalising the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, which she described as one of her personal favourite destinations in Nigeria.
But the commissioner’s commendation is a call to action to the management for more commitment at preserving the resort, which is unarguably, Nigeria’s most iconic natural and cultural destination.
Yet again, the commitment of Glocient Hospitality to the growth of Nigeria’s hospitality industry was recognised with two awards during the gala and awards night, that culminated the Hotel Managers Conference Africa 2025.
Glocient’s general manager received the “Hospitality Impact Award”, which acknowledged his visionary leadership and transformative role in repositioning Ikogosi Resort, while the resort was named the “Best Unique Destination Experience in Nigeria”, a title that affirmed its place as a national treasure and a shining example of eco-tourism done right.
Speaking on the awards, Balogun noted that they reflected Glocient Hospitality’s unwavering dedication to creating immersive, culturally rich, and sustainable hospitality experiences.
“At Ikogosi and beyond, Glocient continues to set the standard for what hospitality in Nigeria can and should be—thoughtful, innovative, and deeply rooted in place,” he said.
Beyond the awards, Glocient has a renewed purpose to keep telling the stories that matter, to keep investing in destinations that inspire, and to keep setting the pace for a more connected and meaningful future for hospitality across Africa.
