This study investigates the relationship between succession planning and competitive advantage in hotel within Rivers State, Nigeria. Succession planning, a strategic human resource management function, is pivotal in achieving these objectives. The study is motivated by the recognition that the region, despite its economic potential, faces challenges in human capital development and leadership transition. Consequently, there is a need to understand how effective succession planning can be leveraged to mitigate these challenges and foster sustainable competitive advantage. The cross-sectional survey method was adopted and a quantitatively structured questionnaire was distributed to 205 and 185 successfully retrieved. We generated descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, and tested the hypothesised relationships using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) with the aid of AMOS 23.0. The findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of succession planning (career development, and talent retention) and the measures of competitive advantage (differentiation). The study concludes that succession planning significantly relates with competitive advantage of hotels in Rivers State, Nigeria. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on human resource management and strategic management in the hospitality industry. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights for hotel owners, managers, and policymakers in the South-South region to develop and implement effective succession plans that drive organisational performance and competitiveness.