Hospitality is not built on grand facades or polished silverware; it lives in the unspoken moments—the warm glance from a concierge who remembers your name, the quiet confidence that no matter what you need, it has already been thought of. It is not about opulence but orchestration, where every detail, seen and unseen, harmonizes to make a guest feel valued.
And yet, too often, this magic is lost. Hotels become machines, churning out reservations without creating memories. Restaurants serve dishes that impress the eye but leave no imprint on the heart. Theme parks build spectacles but forget to craft wonder. Many businesses believe that hospitality is about amenities when, in truth, it is about emotion. A five-star rating means nothing if a guest feels like a transaction rather than a traveler on a journey. In the race to scale, automate, and optimize, the essence of true hospitality is often sacrificed, leaving behind experiences that are forgettable at best and frustrating at worst.
But then, there are those who understand that hospitality is an art—and Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo is one of its master artists. As the Director of Sales and Marketing at Eko Hotels & Suites, she has turned what could have been just another luxury establishment into a stage for extraordinary experiences.
From Stage to Sky to Five-Star Hospitality
Dr. Iyadunni attributes her career in hospitality and business development to a deep-rooted passion for enhancing the business community. Growing up in a home that welcomed visitors with warmth, generosity, and unwavering support, she developed a strong appreciation for hospitality. Her family instilled in her the values of integrity, honesty, and transparency, shaping her approach to both personal and professional life.
Dr. Iyadunni credits her mother for teaching her the vital importance of hard work, contentment, and celebrating achievements. These principles were reinforced through discipline and healthy competition among her siblings and cousins, all within a nurturing and supportive environment.
Though her journey into hospitality was not entirely planned, Dr. Iyadunni initially pursued theatre productions after earning a degree in Theatre & Performing Arts. However, making a sustainable living in the field proved challenging, leading her to explore new opportunities.
She transitioned into the aviation industry, joining North American Airlines, where she gained invaluable experience in customer service excellence and creating memorable experiences. Her career then took a significant turn when she joined Murtala Mohammed Airport as Commercial Manager, where she played a key role in revenue generation. After six years, she was approached by the management of Eko Hotels, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey in the hospitality industry. Dr. Iyadunni found that her experience in aviation seamlessly aligned with hospitality, as both industries prioritize guest satisfaction and exceptional service.
With 14 years in the sector, Dr. Iyadunni considers this career path one of the best decisions she has made. She takes immense pride in being part of a business that brings joy and comfort to people, reaffirming her belief that hospitality remains one of the few industries where human connection is irreplaceable despite technological advancements. It is this human element—the ability to create meaningful and memorable experiences—that continues to inspire her every day in her work at Eko Hotels and in her entrepreneurial ventures.
Redefining Festive Magic and Family Escapes
Dr. Iyadunni attributes the outstanding success of the Tropical Christmas Wonderland and Hakuna Matata Theme Park at Eko Hotels & Suites to the visionary leadership of the Chairman and Board of Directors. Their strategic foresight and unwavering commitment provided the foundation for these groundbreaking initiatives.
She also highlights the pivotal role of the Eko Hotels & Suites management team, whose endorsement of bold ideas and generous financial investment were instrumental in delivering globally impactful experiences. Equally essential to this success is the dedication of the staff at Eko Hotels and Hakuna Matata, whose hard work and commitment ensure that every event exceeds expectations.
According to Dr. Iyadunni, the success of both initiatives stemmed from recognizing a significant gap in Lagos’s hospitality and entertainment landscape. Data indicated that upper-middle-class families frequently traveled abroad in search of unique holiday experiences unavailable locally. This insight led to the creation of a world-class theme park and a set of exclusive holiday offerings designed to attract those who would typically vacation overseas. The results have proven this strategy to be highly effective.
For the Tropical Christmas Wonderland, three key factors contributed to its success:
- Economic Shifts: The economic situation, influenced by currency devaluation and high inflation, led many families to seek local alternatives, as international travel became prohibitively expensive. This shift created opportunities that Eko Hotels is now actively building upon.
- Cultural Resonance: The event’s distinctiveness lay in its fusion of international holiday elements with authentic African influences. By telling the story of an African Christmas in a way that resonated deeply with locals, the experience became a cultural phenomenon, organically promoted by those who attended.
- Unparalleled Experience: Eko Hotels offered an all-inclusive package for $5,000, allowing a family of four to enjoy two rooms, full-board dining, tickets to theatre shows, circuses, a carnival, the Hakuna Matata Theme Park, access to sporting, health, and wellness facilities—all within a safe, family-friendly, and authentically African setting.
Dr. Iyadunni describes the experience as an indulgent escape, where guests could immerse themselves in the vibrant, energetic atmosphere of Lagos—the ‘Vegas of Africa.’ Strategic partnerships with reputable brands such as Zenith Bank and Maltina further enhanced the offering, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for guests.
Finally, she emphasizes that operational excellence played a crucial role in the success of these initiatives. Meticulous planning and execution were essential, supported by a dedicated team that works year-round to innovate and refine every aspect of the attractions. Continuous reinvention ensures that visitors always have something new and exciting to look forward to.
Above all, Dr. Iyadunni acknowledges the loyal customers who inspire the team’s relentless efforts. Their enthusiasm and support are the driving forces behind the success of the Tropical Christmas Wonderland and Hakuna Matata Theme Park, reinforcing Eko Hotels’ mission to deliver extraordinary, world-class experiences.
Weaving Leadership, Legacy, and Limitless Innovation
Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo approaches her leadership role at Eko Hotels & Suites and her entrepreneurial ventures, including BGV Limited and Tirta Ayu Spa Nigeria, not as a matter of balance but as a strategic exercise in building systems and structures. She emphasizes the importance of strong leadership teams in each venture, ensuring that capable individuals who share her vision are empowered to bring their own strengths to the table.
At Eko Hotels & Suites, Dr. Iyadunni has cultivated a solid team that is well-versed in her expectations and equipped to deliver results. Similarly, at Tirta Ayu Spa Nigeria, she has appointed a general manager to oversee daily operations across all branches, allowing her to focus on strategic direction, innovation, and problem-solving rather than operational details.
She acknowledges that managing multiple responsibilities is not always easy. There are times when competing demands arise, requiring her to rely on her teams to step up while she prioritizes her corporate leadership role at Eko Hotels. However, she finds that her entrepreneurial ventures keep her agile and innovative—qualities that directly benefit her corporate leadership. At the same time, the institutional knowledge she has built at Eko Hotels provides invaluable resources that contribute to what the future holds.
A Consistent Culture of Exceptional Service
Dr. Iyadunni identifies the biggest challenge in leading a large team within the hospitality industry as maintaining a consistent culture of exceptional service in a high-pressure, 24/7 environment. Hospitality is built on human interactions, requiring staff to manage their
emotions while delivering outstanding guest experiences. She emphasizes the importance of leaders demonstrating empathy, as team members often face personal challenges yet must remain warm and attentive.
Ensuring service consistency across different shifts is another major challenge, as guests should receive the same high-quality experience at any time of day. To achieve this, Dr. Iyadunni prioritizes staff welfare, fostering a supportive environment where employees feel valued and motivated. She also highlights the complexity of effective communication, ensuring smooth information flow to prevent misunderstandings that could impact guest satisfaction. Ultimately, she believes that when employees feel secure and see growth opportunities, they are more committed to excellence.
Blueprint for Hospitality Reinvention
Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo has driven revenue growth at Eko Hotels & Suites through diversification, personalization, and continuous innovation. Under her leadership of the Sales & Marketing Departments, the hotel has evolved beyond a traditional room-centric model
into a dynamic destination offering world-class dining, entertainment, and curated experiences. Initiatives such as Broadway-style theatre productions, intimate garden weddings, and circus shows have significantly strengthened the brand and ultimately boosts its revenues.
Personalized experiences, from tailored anniversary celebrations to immersive vacation packages, have become key revenue drivers, fostering guest loyalty and repeat business.
Additionally, by reimagining its assets—introducing themed brunches, live performances, and cultural nights—Eko Hotels continues to enhance guest engagement and maximize revenue opportunities.
Turning Stays into Stories
Dr. Iyadunni has strengthened Eko Hotels & Suites’ branding, marketing, and PR by positioning it as more than just a hotel, but as Nigeria’s premier holiday destination. Rather than competing with international chains on standardization, she has emphasized the hotel’s unique blend of international standards and African hospitality, setting it apart in a competitive market leading in the industry.
Her PR strategy has focused on an “inside-out” approach, leveraging staff and satisfied guests as brand ambassadors. Initiatives like a monthly newsletter highlight authentic stories that showcase the hotel’s distinctive offerings. Additionally, experience marketing has been a key driver, with signature events generating organic word-of-mouth and media coverage. To further enhance its appeal, the hotel is developing a concierge service aimed at helpingvisitors navigate Nigeria’s tourism landscape, reinforcing its position as the top choice for holiday experiences in the country.
Elevating Hospitality with an Aviation Mindset
Dr. Iyadunni’s experience in aviation, particularly with North American Airlines and Bi- Courtney Aviation Services (MMA2), has profoundly shaped her approach to sales and marketing in the hospitality industry. The airline sector, with its razor-thin margins and high customer expectations, taught her the importance of responsiveness, proactive communication, and managing guest expectations—principles she has seamlessly applied at Eko Hotels & Suites.
Her aviation background also instilled a systemic perspective, recognizing how each service touchpoint impacts overall guest satisfaction. At Bi-Courtney, she played a key role in revenue growth strategies, a skill she has leveraged to drive new revenue streams at Eko Hotels. Additionally, her deep understanding of balancing operational excellence with emotional connection has become a cornerstone of the hotel’s service philosophy. While transitioning industries required adaptation, Dr. Gbadebo’s commitment to continuous learning has ensured her success in redefining hospitality experiences.
The Art of Building a Luxury Spa Brand
Dr. Iyadunni’s journey in launching and scaling Tirta Ayu Spa in West Africa has been filled with valuable entrepreneurial lessons. She emphasizes that competing on value rather than price ensures sustainable growth, allowing businesses to charge a premium while delivering
exceptional service. By introducing authentic Balinese spa traditions—complete with master masseuses—she created a unique experience that set Tirta Ayu apart in a crowded market.
Her marketing strategy relied heavily on word-of-mouth, prioritizing exceptional customer service over heavy ad spending. As the business expanded from one to five branches, she transitioned from hands-on management to strategic leadership, building a strong team to execute her vision. She also systematized operations while preserving the brand’s signature personalized service, ensuring consistency without losing the human touch. Her experience underscores the importance of authenticity, strategic growth, and customer-driven marketing in building a lasting brand.
A Leadership Perspective Like No Other
Dr. Iyadunni finds immense fulfillment in balancing her role as both an executive in a large hospitality establishment and an entrepreneur. She believes that being both an employer and an employee provides continuous learning opportunities, allowing her to lead with greater
insight and effectiveness. Her ability to navigate different professional dynamics has made her a versatile and intriguing leader.
For her, the most rewarding aspect is seeing the success of ventures she is involved in, each reflecting her dedication, passion, and hard work. She emphasizes that when one is truly committed to excellence, efforts never go unnoticed, and achievements naturally follow.
Writing the Next Chapter of Nigerian Hospitality
Dr. Iyadunni Gbadebo envisions a transformative future for Nigeria’s hospitality industry, driven by emerging trends such as the rise of domestic leisure travel, sustainability, cultural authenticity, and technological innovation. She highlights the growing preference for local
travel experiences among Nigerians and the increasing demand for eco-friendly hospitality solutions.
Eko Hotels & Suites is at the forefront of this evolution, implementing green initiatives, partnering with conservation organizations, and curating culturally immersive experiences like its African-themed Christmas celebrations. With Nigeria’s tech-savvy consumer base, she emphasizes the importance of seamless digital integration while maintaining the human touch in hospitality.
Dr. Gbadebo sees Eko Hotels not just adapting to these changes but actively shaping the industry’s future through bold and innovative initiatives.
Crafting Connections and Experiences in Hospitality
Dr. Iyadunni advises young professionals in hospitality sales and marketing to cultivate
relentless drive, resilience, and a deep understanding of operations by shadowing different departments. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding, as clients often connect with individuals before companies.
She highlights relationship-building over short-term transactions, urging professionals to position themselves as long-term partners. Continuous learning, mentorship, and industry engagement are essential for growth. Above all, she stresses the power of storytelling—
success in hospitality sales comes from selling experiences and emotions, not just services.
Reinvention, Resilience, and the Road to Recovery
Dr. Iyadunni faced one of the greatest challenges of her career during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the hospitality industry—built on human interaction—was among the hardest hit. With occupancy rates plummeting and operational costs remaining high, she navigated the crisis while also managing the existential threat to her own SPA business.
Rather than succumbing to the uncertainty, The Manager of the hotel took decisive actions. They maintained core groups focused on post-pandemic planning and prioritized transparent communication with all stakeholders. Instead of waiting for normalcy to return, they adapted and innovated—pivoting food and beverage services to delivery, integrating tech customer service solutions, and embedding enhanced health and safety measures into their core operations.
Strategic repositioning proved invaluable. During the downtime, renovations were done, ensuring the properties was refreshed when demand rebounded. These efforts led to faster recovery than many competitors, with guest satisfaction scores reaching historic highs.
Beyond business success, the experience reshaped Dr. Iyadunni’s leadership philosophy. She learned that transparency fosters trust, constraints drive innovation, and resilience is built on cultural cohesion rather than financial reserves—principles that continue to define her
approach to leadership.
