Author Biography Mr Horecan Emeka Ihumezie |
I Never Chose Tourism, Tourism Chose Me
I am Emeka Ihumezie, widely known as Mr Horecan — a tourism and hospitality expert with over 25 years of hands-on experience. My journey into the tourism world began with a chance encounter that reshaped my life forever.
"What started 25 years ago as a chance encounter is today my passion, my craft, my purpose, and my professional identity."
Early Beginnings
After completing my studies in Accounting in Nigeria in 1998, I moved to the Netherlands in search of new opportunities. There, I stumbled upon the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at the CHN Hotelschool Leeuwarden (now NHL Stenden University). What seemed like a random choice soon became my lifelong passion.
I earned my BA in International Hospitality Management from NHL Stenden University, launching my professional journey in tourism and hospitality. Over the years, I expanded my expertise across Europe and Africa, diving into hospitality journalism, tourism strategy, and policy advocacy, and consulting for projects from conception to management.
NHL Stenden University Netherlands
International Hospitality Management (BA)
A BA in International Hospitality Management from NHL Stenden University, Netherlands marked the beginning of my extensive career in tourism and hospitality, which took me across 36 countries of the world including Africa, Europe and beyond.
I have also ventured into hospitality journalism, tourism strategy, and policy advocacy. I have consulted for numerous hotels and tourism projects, overseeing conceptualization, construction, and management in both Africa and Europe.
The Birth of “Mr Horecan”
My journey through the tourism and hospitality industry has been shaped by hands-on experience across all levels and departments. I started from the ground up at the Hotel Wysvert in Leeuwarden, Netherlands,
The name Mr Horecan stems from my deep involvement in the Horeca industry — Ho (Hotels), Re (Restaurants), Ca (Catering), and N (Nightclubs). Initially the name of my company, Horecan Ltd, it evolved naturally as clients and colleagues began referring to me personally as “Mr Horecan.” Today, it represents not just a brand but my professional identity built on commitment, innovation, and leadership.
Tourism didn’t just become my career—it became my way of life.
Tourism didn’t just become my career — it became my way of life.
A Commitment to Transformative Tourism
Ulster University Business School. UK
International Tourism & Hospitality Management (MSc.)
In 2022, I moved to the UK and earned my Master’s Degree (MSc) in International Tourism and Hospitality Management with distinction from the prestigious Ulster University Business School, Belfast. This milestone expanded my global perspective and sharpened my vision for using tourism as a force for sustainable community transformation.
Building Experience From the Ground Up
My journey began at Hotel Wysvert in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, where I started as a waiter and progressed to roles such as kitchen porter, concierge, and front office receptionist. Over time, I climbed the ladder to positions including restaurant manager, conventions and banqueting manager, assistant general manager, and eventually general manager.
I’ve also had the privilege of working at renowned establishments such as Golden Tulip Hotel, Netherlands, Sheraton Hotels in Cork, Ireland, and G Tower Hotel in Owerri, Nigeria. These experiences provided me with a comprehensive understanding of hospitality operations, guest experience management, and leadership excellence.
In my pursuit to stay ahead in the ever-evolving tourism and hospitality industry, I further honed my skills at Ulster University Business School, Belfast. It was here that I developed the tools and expertise that laid the foundation for the rebranding of my freelance business, Mr Horecan. This academic journey sharpened my strategic thinking, positioning me to drive impactful changes in the industry today.
Freelance Tourism Expert and Changemaker
Today, I work independently as a freelance tourism journalist, keynote speaker, podcaster, researcher, and brand ambassador, driving impactful campaigns like Say No to Dirty Kitchen, Pro-Poor Tourism, and Hospitality Police.
Through my platform, Tourism Insight with Mr Horecan, I engage policymakers, industry leaders, and global audiences with bold ideas, reflexive storytelling, and transformative strategies aimed at reimagining the role of tourism.
My mission is simple: to make tourism a powerful tool for social impact, community empowerment, and sustainable development.
Tourism didn’t just become my career — it became my way of life.
I really did not choose tourism — tourism chose me.
