The Cotonou Times recently had a conversation with the Promoter of a Resort known as Espace Alafia based in the Benin Republic Historic City of Ketou located at the Benin Nigeria border near Abeokuta(Capital of Ògùn State) Espace Afafia Chairman gave us the honor to respond to our questions.
The Cotonou Times: Can you please introduce yourself ?
Espace Alafia Chairman: I first want to extend my greetings to The Cotonou Times’s readers as well as to the Editorial team. My name is Judes Fagbemi, I am a Transport Administrator and Logistics specialist. I am also the owner of a Cotonou based Freight Forwarding Company who made the decision to invest in the tourist industry.
The Cotonou Times: Why did you choose the city of Ketou in Benin Republic to establish this stunning resort?
Espace Alafia Chairman: I made the decision to invest in the hospitality industry for many reasons. First of all it has always been a passion for me, as I do it with goods within the framework of port logistics operations. It is actually a way for me to offer logistics solutions to my partners. When I am capable to provide a solution for housing, tourist, mobility related issues. I also chose Ketou as a pilot phase for a major ambition in the hospitality and tourist industry in an effort to support the Government’s approach. In this regard, it is important to stress that Ketou is an historic city which is full of inexhaustible gorgeous tourist attractions that are required to amaze visitors. It is not that Ketou did not have a hotel infrastructure, but it was insufficient.
The Cotonou Times : Are cultural events regularly organized within the complex?
Espace Alafia Chairman: Espace Alafia has hotel rooms, furnished residences, a swimming pool, a fitness room, conference rooms, multi-purpose halls,a party hall, a bar, an air conditioned restaurant, an electronic payment facility, a play area, a retail store etc. All of this is available for visitors and the local population. Cultural events are indeed regularly organized to the extent that the Hotel Complex’s inauguration last year took place during an identity day known as Ìṣọ̀kan Odùduwà.
The Cotonou Times: Does your complex benefit from the proximity of Ògùn State which is an important industrial center in Nigeria?
Espace Alafia Chairman: Our site is located 10 kilometers from the Benin Nigeria border as a third of customers actually come from Nigeria.
The Cotonou Times: Which kind of relationship do you have with the Benin Ministry of Tourism?
Espace Alafia Chairman: Many officials from the Ministry came to the complex to ensure that we comply with the standards in terms of hospitality and our complex is licensed by the Ministry of Tourism in accordance with the Benin legislation.
The Cotonou Times: What are the factors which contribute in your view to an excellent customer service?
Espace Alafia Chairman: The most important factor is the quality of the staff. For example the reception must be impeccable. Cleanliness must be non-negotiable, the meals must be delicious, and there must not be any noise or air pollution. Clients are looking for tranquility and if they can feel at home or even more comfortable than at home they can actually spend more time at the resort.
The Cotonou Times: What are the main challenges faced by the hospitality industry?
Espace Alafia Chairman: There many challenges that cannot all be listed. First, the Government must support the historic cities and promote the tourist attractions that exist in these territories. These municipalities do not have enough resources for the heritage conservation, the provision of skilled personnel and the management of the historical heritage. The tourist operators must also ensure that they have skilled human resources as we are near Nigeria and the language barrier can sometimes be an obstacle between customers and the management team. One must also underline that the hospitality industry consumes a lot of energy, which requires the need for affordable sources of energy and new energies should be explored. Another major challenge is the issue of security. We thank the Benin Government who provides a peaceful and a safe environment which attracts our customers. We have to strengthen this peace against the terrorist threats, abductions which are taking place in neighboring Nigeria.
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