The much-anticipated Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Awards will stand out as a defining event honouring women who continue to shape and elevate Nigeria’s hospitality and tourism landscape.
Held in celebration of International Women’s Day, the initiative highlights excellence, integrity, professionalism, and transformative leadership within the industry.
The ceremony is scheduled for 14th March 2026 at the prestigious Lake Greenfield Hotel, Abuja. The venue, renowned for its elegance, comfort, and world-class hospitality standards, provides a fitting setting for an evening dedicated to honouring excellence and leadership.
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The event is expected to draw key stakeholders across the hospitality and tourism value chain, including industry executives, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and distinguished guests, all coming together to celebrate the achievements and growing influence of women in the sector.
Disclosing this during an interactive media session with newsmen in Abuja, The Convener of the Conference, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Chief Executive Officer of Philoxenia Global Hospitality Limited, Florence Oyelade Adedayo-Tayo (a.k.a. Lady FOAT, said the initiative was created to recognize and honor women who have consistently upheld high ethical standards while contributing significantly to the growth and development of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
According to Lady FOAT, these women, through resilience and dedication, have built brands, mentored teams, influenced policies and strengthened industry standards over the years, noting that beyond recognition, the Awards serve as a structured platform for mentorship and intergenerational dialogue.
Young and aspiring female professionals will have the opportunity to connect with accomplished industry leaders, fostering knowledge transfer, guidance, and inspiration for the next generation of hospitality and tourism practitioners, she added.
She stressed that a key focus of this year’s event is inclusivity and accessibility, emphasizing that the event has a zero-tolerance stance toward discrimination within the industry, advocating for equal opportunities for all, including People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
The Awards underscore the importance of creating hospitality spaces that are welcoming, accessible and empowering for everyone. Stressing that the event has received significant institutional endorsements, reinforcing its credibility and national relevance.
It is proudly endorsed by the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), the Association for Tourism and Hospitality Consultants in Nigeria (ATHCON), and the Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN), Additionally, the event enjoys the support of the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA.
Dignitaries expected at the prestigious gathering include the Honourable Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy; the Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority; the President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria; and the Honourable Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs, FCTA, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi alongside policymakers, tourism stakeholders, hospitality and tourism entrepreneurs, general managers, industry operatives, and members of the general public.
A major highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Conference and Awards brand; marking the formal launch of what promises to become a leading platform for advocacy, recognition, and professional development for women in the industry.
The Ladies in Hospitality and Tourism Awards is poised to become a defining moment for the sector, a prestigious convergence of excellence, empowerment, policy, and purpose.
The general public, industry stakeholders, and corporate partners are warmly invited to be part of this historic celebration of women shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Nigeria.
