Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government, has held a public hearing on the Regulation of Hospitality Sector in the state, with a charge to stakeholders in the hospitality industry to partner government for robust economic growth.
Speaking at the event held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium Umuahia, Coordinator of the public hearing and Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Interventions, Rev. Father Christian Anokwuru, said the essence of the exercise was to carry the stakeholders along in policy formulation and ensure that the hospitality sector “operates at the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.”
According to him, the policy is aimed at enhancing security in the state and making the hospitality sector more appealing to visitors and investors while boosting revenue generation.
He described hospitality industry as a cornerstone of Abia State’s economic development and cultural promotion, hence, the need for formulation of the hospitality policy.
He said: “This policy is a testament to our commitment to fostering a thriving, competitive, and environmentally responsible hospitality industry that benefits our local communities end attracts visitors from around the globe.”
“This policy provides a clear regulatory framework that aligns with international best practices, ensuring that all hospitality establishments in Abia State deliver exceptional service, maintain rigorous safety and security protocols, and adopt sustainable practices,” Rev. Anokwuru stated.
In a remark, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment, Mr Okey J Martins, said the State Government was committed to providing enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that there is no way the Government would formulate a policy without involving the relevant stakeholders.
“This Government will do everything possible to make the business space very conducive. Be rest assured that the administration of Governor Alex Otti have you in mind.”
“There is no way we are going to finish all of these and not have the input of the stakeholders. We will surely inform you when we are done with that process.
“You know this Government does not do anything in secret, we are very open minded, we are very transparent and that is why, there is nothing we do that we don’t bring it to your attention. What we want is to make Abia State a destination for tourism and investments,” Mr. Martins stressed.
In their contributions, some stakeholders in the industry including the Chairman, Nigeria Hotels, Abia chapter, Prince Charles Ezeala, Mr Peterson Agu, Chief Cletus Ibeh among others, commended Government for the idea which, according to them, is very noble.
They said that putting in place a policy framework for the hospitality industry in the state was a welcome development.
However, the industry players requested that a draft of the policy be made available to them to study and make necessary inputs.
They assured of their readiness to partner with the State Government as investors.
