The management of Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort and Conference Center is intensifying efforts to boost patronage and expand its facilities as it targets a 90% occupancy rate in the near future.
Sharafa Lanre Balogun, General Manager of Glocient Hospitality, operators of the resort, revealed this during an exclusive interview held at the iconic tourism destination in Ekiti State.
Balogun stated that while the resort currently averages an occupancy rate of 60%, which he said outperforms many counterparts in Lagos and Abuja, the goal is to push that figure significantly higher. “We believe that the product we have is the best anywhere in Nigeria,” he said. “Our target is 90% occupancy, and we will not rest until we achieve it.”
To attract the leisure segment, Glocient is partnering with tour operators who specialize in holiday and destination travel. Balogun noted that although the resort occasionally records high guest numbers on certain weekdays, weekends are often fully booked, signaling demand for more accommodation. “By 2025, we may even extend beyond the existing 60 rooms, our target is to have 92 rooms and we may even go beyond that because we noticed that we are losing revenue by not having enough rooms,” he explained.
He emphasized that the potential market is vast, citing Nigeria’s population of over 220 million. “We are just trying to sell this to 100 people—it’s less than 0.5% of Nigeria. These are people who are tired of the hustle and bustle of Lagos and they come here and find peace and serenity.”
On infrastructure and operational stability, Balogun admitted the early days were tough. “When we started, it was very, very difficult,” he said, highlighting initial challenges in technical planning and infrastructure readiness. However, he said the resort is now stable, with a reliable supply chain and smooth operations. “It’s like a well-oiled machine now,” he added.
Security, a key concern for many travelers, has also been a strong point for the resort. Balogun credited the peaceful environment of Ekiti State and strong collaboration with security agencies. “We have never had issues about security in this part of Ekiti. That is a major driver. One of our major marketing strategies is that Ekiti is secure and safe.”
With its natural attraction—the warm springs—and growing interest from both leisure and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) markets, Ikogosi Resort appears poised for continued growth as it positions itself as a leading destination in Nigeria’s tourism revival.
