The 6th edition of the Hospitality Awards Africa recently took place in grand style at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel. This exciting event celebrated the stars of the hospitality industry who have shown exceptional service and commitment to quality across the continent. It not only recognized outstanding achievements but also brought together stakeholders to discuss a critical issue: mental health in the industry.
Delasie Dogbey, a respected consultant, life coach, mindset coach, mental health advocate, and John Maxwell leadership coach, delivered an inspiring keynote speech that deeply resonated with the audience. He focused on the essential yet often overlooked aspect of mental health among hospitality and tourism professionals, urging the industry to prioritize the well-being of staff. He encouraged everyone to take care of their own mental health and seek help instead of suffering in silence.
In his talk, Delasie stressed that supporting mental health can greatly improve both internal and external service quality. He highlighted that happy and mentally healthy staff are more engaged, efficient, and better able to provide outstanding guest experiences. Delasie called on industry leaders to create supportive workplaces where mental well-being is a key part of success. He also mentioned the importance of addressing past traumas and emotional baggage, which many people carry without realizing it.
This message was echoed by many award winners, who used the platform to emphasize the urgent need for more investment in mental health resources within the hospitality sector. These leaders acknowledged that taking care of their teams is vital for sustaining success and innovation in hospitality.
Delasie further encouraged the audience to release past emotional burdens, promoting a holistic approach to wellness. “The hospitality industry deserves to enjoy the happiness it gives out,” he stated, urging stakeholders to embrace the transformative power of mental health initiatives. He also suggested that organizations should regularly hold mental health programs and activities, engage professionals to support their staff, and provide resources for external employees as well.
As the award event concluded, there was a renewed sense of purpose and commitment among the industry’s best, inspiring them to make meaningful changes that prioritize the mental health and happiness of their teams. The night emphasized that the 6th edition of the Hospitality Awards Africa was not just a celebration of achievements, but also a powerful call to improve well-being standards across the industry.
