Nigeria is central to our African hotel growth story – Tim Cordon
Tim Cordon is the chief operating officer, Middle East, Africa & Southeast Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, with the responsibility of leading hotel operations and delivering business growth and profit across the group’s largest area, with over 220 hotels currently in operation or under development.
Based in Dubai, Cordon, a British national, has been with Radisson Hotel Group (formerly Carlson Rezidor) since 2003, and was appointed COO for MEA in 2022, while the SouthEast Asia Pacific (SEAP) region was to his role in January 2023.
In this interview with Obinna Emelike, Cordon explains the exponential growth of the Group in the Nigerian market from one hotel in 2011 to 13 hotels and over 1700 rooms now in operation and under development across Nigeria today, while being on track to reach its target of 15 hotels in Nigeria by 2025.
He also explains how the Group is blending global standards with local culture, driving innovation, and setting the stage for long-term growth in one of Africa’s most dynamic markets. Excerpt:
The Radisson Hotel Group has described Nigerian hospitality as a market on the rise. Why?
Nigeria is one of the most dynamic hospitality markets in Africa. The combination of economic growth, an expanding middle class, and rising domestic travel creates strong potential for quality hotels that deliver both global standards and local character.
For Radisson Hotel Group, this means going beyond simply offering a place to stay. Hotels must deliver experiences that feel both world-class and uniquely Nigerian.
How does the group maintain global consistency, local relevance in the Nigerian market?
With more than 100 hotels in operation and development across Africa, Radisson has learned how to balance consistency with cultural authenticity. In Nigeria, menus pair international favourites with traditional dishes, hotel spaces serve both corporate and family needs, and local talent is trained to deliver service at global standards.
Hospitality is local at its core. Our role is to bring the strength of a global brand while ensuring our hotels reflect the tastes, traditions, and priorities of the communities they serve.
How do you manage to innovate in anticipation of trends in the market, especially in Nigeria?
Nigerian travelers are increasingly tech-savvy and experience-driven. Radisson is responding with smart check-in systems, flexible work-and-play spaces, and event venues designed for both hybrid meetings and vibrant social gatherings.
Sustainability has also become a cornerstone, with energy-efficient systems, local sourcing, and waste-reduction initiatives embedded across properties.
In West Africa, we are not just keeping up with trends, we aim to lead them. Guests want convenience, personalization, and sustainability, and they want it delivered with genuine warmth.
Read also: Nigerian market still very impressive for Radisson Hotel Group in Africa
What about purposeful partnerships with stakeholders in the market?
Radisson Hotel Group’s strategy in Nigeria also emphasizes collaboration with local communities and organisations. The Group works with cultural institutions, champions preservation initiatives, and provides learning opportunities for team members. These partnerships support local causes while deepening guest connections to Nigerian culture.
Of course, technology is now a constant in the industry, how vast are you in adopting it in your operations in Nigeria?
While the hospitality landscape will continue to evolve with new technologies and shifting guest expectations, some fundamentals will always matter to Nigerian guests: convenience, reliability, and predictability. Seamless booking, efficient access, accurate information, and dependable in-room services remain essential. Our strategies are built to adapt and ensure that we stay timeless, even as trends come and go.
How is the group building resilience in a shifting market?
Recent years have tested global hospitality, but Radisson Hotel Group’s response in Nigeria has been diversification. From upscale Radisson Blu hotels in major cities to select-service Park Inn by Radisson properties in emerging hubs, the Group is broadening its reach while capitalizing on the growth of domestic travel.
What are the travel trends that are shaping the future?
Two shifts are particularly influencing Radisson Hotel Group’s strategy: the rise of “bleisure” travel and the growing demand for sustainable stays. Hotels are increasingly designed to serve both business and leisure needs, offering co-working lounges, wellness facilities, and curated cultural experiences. Eco-conscious travelers, meanwhile, expect transparency on environmental impact and measurable results.
Is the group investing in the people, especially its Nigerian workforce?
Radisson Hotel Group’s growth in Nigeria is anchored on talent development. In April 2025, the Group launched its first Radisson Academy Live in Lagos, part of its global learning and development platform designed to upskill hospitality professionals.
Since its inception in 2019, Radisson Academy has grown to offer over 2,500 training programmes, spanning leadership, hotel operations, sales, revenue management, and finance. The Lagos edition adds a hands-on element tailored to Nigeria, empowering local talent and building clear career pathways.
Radisson’s investment in training reflects its broader transformation strategy, ensuring that team members have the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing market while strengthening the Group’s pipeline of future leaders.
Looking ahead, what further plans do you have for the Nigerian market?
Nigeria is central to our Africa growth story. We are here for the long haul, and our goal is to keep raising the bar for hospitality across the country.
