About My Journey
I Never Chose Tourism, Tourism Chose Me. I am Emeka Ihumezie, but widely known as Mr Horecan. I am a tourism and hospitality expert with over 25 years of hands-on experience in the industry. My journey into the tourism world began with a chance encounter—one that would go on to shape my entire life.
“What started 25 years ago as a chance encounter is today my passion, my craft, my purpose, and my professional identity.”
After completing my studies in Accounting in Nigeria in 1998, I moved to the Netherlands to further my education and explore new opportunities. In the quest to build a new life and explore new horizons, I stumbled upon the Department of Tourism and Hospitality at what was then CHN Hotelschool Leeuwarden, now known as NHL Stenden University, Netherlands. Initially, it seemed like just a random decision, but it quickly became much more.
I earned my BA in International Hospitality Management from NHL Stenden University, Netherlands. This marked the beginning of my extensive career in tourism and hospitality, which took me across Europe and beyond. Over the years, 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 name Mr Horecan itself emerged from my deep involvement in the Horeca industry—an acronym representing Ho (Hotels), Re (Restaurants), Ca (Catering), and N (Nightclubs). Initially, Horecan Ltd was my company name, but as I became more recognized, people naturally began calling me Mr Horecan. The name stuck, and 25 years later, it’s more than just a brand—it’s my identity.
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, working as a waiter in restaurants and bars, before moving into the kitchen as a porter. I then gained valuable insights as a concierge and a front office receptionist, gradually progressing to management roles. My passion and dedication saw me take on positions such as restaurant manager, conventions and banqueting manager, assistant general manager, and eventually general manager.
My Growth Journey
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,
Working at renowned establishments like Hotel Wysvert, Leeuwarden, Netherlands, Golden Tulip Hotel, Netherlands, Sheraton Hotels, Cork, Ireland, and G Tower Hotel, Owerri, Nigeria, I immersed myself in front office operations, guest services, and customer experience management. These roles honed my skills in hospitality management, service excellence, and leadership. My diverse experiences across these prestigious hotels gave me a profound understanding of the industry, allowing me to develop a comprehensive approach to hotel operations, service quality, and team leadership. These practical experiences have shaped my professional journey, reinforcing my commitment to excellence in tourism and hospitality management.
In 2022, I moved to the UK to pursue a Master’s degree in International Tourism and Hospitality Management at the prestigious Ulster University Business School, Belfast, where I graduated with distinction. This academic pursuit further honed my skills and expanded my vision for the industry, shaping my personal and professional competencies. It led to the redefined version of myself—the new Mr Horecan—with a more defined mission and vision.
Today, as a keynote speaker, podcaster, researcher, and brand ambassador, I continue to share my passion for sustainable tourism practices, destination marketing, and community-driven development. I lead impactful campaigns such as Say No to Dirty Kitchen, Pro-Poor Tourism, Hospitality Police, and many more, advocating for responsible practices and community involvement.
Through my podcast, Tourism Insight with Mr Horecan, I engage with industry leaders, policymakers, and visionaries to explore emerging trends and transformative strategies. I am committed to making tourism not just an economic activity, but a force for community transformation and positive change.
Commited to Making Tourism, a force for transformation
Tourism didn’t just become my career—it became my way of life. I never chose tourism—tourism chose me, and every step of my journey has reinforced my commitment to making it purposeful, impactful, and transformative
