Made in Nigeria Ingredients - Boosting Our Gems Through Tourism and Hospitality

 

Hotels have a unique opportunity to serve as a cultural ambassador, showcasing the essence of a country to foreign visitors. From the food they serve, to the music they play, to the traditional artifacts they display, hotels have the power to bring the rich culture, history, and traditions of a nation to life. By highlighting the local cuisine, music, and customs, hotels can provide a truly immersive experience for guests and offer a glimpse into the soul of the country. In doing so, hotels not only create memorable and authentic experiences for guests but also play a critical role in promoting the cultural heritage of the nation and supporting local communities. Let’s delve into the significance of hotels in advancing the utilization of produce from Nigerian farmers and locally made products in Nigeria, and the reasons why this should be a top priority for the Tourism and Agric sector across the country.

Visitors who arrive at the airport often check into a hotel as their first stop in the country. Many of these travelers, particularly those visiting for business purposes such as meetings or conferences, may not venture outside the hotel grounds during their stay. For these individuals, the hotel they are staying in serves as their primary point of exposure to the country they are visiting. If the hotel fails to showcase the culture, food, music or other aspects of Nigeria, these visitors may leave without truly experiencing the essence of the country, even if they spend several weeks here.

One of the most important reasons why hotels should prioritize cooking with local produce and condiments is that it allows guests to experience the authentic flavors of the local cuisine. These ingredients, often unique to the region, are not only delicious but also rich in cultural and historical significance. By incorporating these ingredients into their dishes, hotels can give guests a taste of the local culture, offering them a true sense of place and a more memorable dining experience.

Incorporating local ingredients in their offerings has substantial economic advantages for both the hospitality sector and the surrounding community. By procuring produce and condiments from local farmers and suppliers, hotels can aid the local agriculture industry and stimulate the regional economy. For example, they can serve coffee brewed with locally grown coffee beans and provide snacks, chocolates, and sweets made with indigenous ingredients. This approach not only supports local farmers and suppliers, but it also generates job opportunities in the agriculture and food industries, thereby contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Furthermore, promoting the use of local ingredients in cooking in hotels and restaurants can also help to promote their export to other countries. By showcasing the unique flavors and quality of these ingredients, hotels can raise awareness and increase demand for them globally, helping to expand the local agriculture industry and support the development of the local economy. This can also help to promote the country's culinary heritage and contribute to its reputation as a foodie destination, further boosting its tourism industry.

Exposing local producers and farmers to international hospitality businesses can provide valuable insights into global best practices and quality standards. By observing the processes and systems used by these businesses, local producers can identify areas for improvement and adopt similar strategies to enhance the quality of their products and services. This can help to raise the bar for local agriculture and food production, making their products and services more competitive and appealing to a wider range of customers.

Working with international hospitality businesses can also provide local producers with access to training and development opportunities, helping them to build their skills and expertise in areas such as food safety, quality control, and sustainable agriculture practices. This can help to increase the quality and consistency of their products and services, making them more attractive to international hospitality businesses and helping to create a sustainable supply chain. Furthermore, exposure to international hospitality businesses can also help to increase the visibility of local producers, allowing them to reach new markets and expand their customer base, both locally and globally.

To motivate hotels and restaurants, the government needs to offer various incentives that make it more appealing and cost-effective for hotels to choose local ingredients, thereby creating a mutually beneficial situation for all parties involved. One such incentive is tax benefits, such as lower tax rates or tax exemptions for hotels that prioritize local ingredients in their cuisine. This can lower the cost of acquiring local ingredients, making it more attractive for hotels to select local producers instead of international suppliers.

Governments can also offer marketing and advertising support to hotels that emphasize the usage of
local ingredients. This can involve establishing a "local sourcing" certification scheme, which hotels can display to promote their dedication to local ingredients. Governments can collaborate with hotels to initiate local sourcing programs and promote them through advertising efforts and events, elevating awareness and boosting the demand for locally sourced ingredients.

By lending their support to hospitality sector for the promotion of local agriculture produce, spices, and condiments, the government can play a critical role in fostering economic growth and job creation in Nigeria. Simultaneously, hotels and restaurants can provide their guests with a one-of-a-kind, genuine dining experience, thereby elevating the standing of local cuisine and stimulating the tourism sector. Overall, this creates a mutually beneficial outcome for all involved parties.