The Nigerian city of Lagos has acquired the continent’s first boat hotel, the Sunborn Yacht Hotel.“In its efforts to boost tourism,Lagos State Government has acquireda two-decked yacht, called “Boat Hotel,” which is large enough to host big conferences such as annual general meetings of big multi-national companies and banks”,Commissioner for Tourism and Inter-governmental Relationships, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, stated in a statement.

This initiative is a public private partnership in which the Ministry of Tourism and Inter-governmental
Relations cooperated with Diamond Capital Ltd, the investment banking arm of Diamond Bank Plc, in the projectwhich was facilitated by MIDC Ltd and Westcom Ltd, two Nigerian venture capital advisory firms. The whole project will cost approximately 25 million euros. The price also includes transportation and upgrading of the facility. The whole operation should be finished by the third quarter of 2008. There are 105 luxury suites in the hotel, a restaurant with a kitchen and a cocktail bar for 100 people, Yacht Club Lobby bar for about 70 people and also Banquet Hall with seats for more than 200 people. There are also two interconnected Conference Rooms.The whole facility is air-conditioned.The initiative is meant to re-brand Lagos as a desired tourism destination. The hotel should provide needed additional hotel rooms as well as a unique experience for visitors.The facility, thanks to its equipment,can also make Lagos more interestinglocation for the MICE (meetings,Incentives, conferences and exhibitions)events.

Source: Tourism Review.com