The Government of Abia State through the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in conjunction with Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, has beckoned on stakeholders to implement schemes that will promote standardization, innovation and strategic collaboration geared towards bolstering the hospitality and tourism sector in Abia State.
At the phase 2 Stakeholders Engagement Meeting for Hospitality and Tourist Sector held in Aba on Thursday, the Commissioner for the Ministry of Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwụrụịbe, stated that this initiative is intended to create opportunities for operators to align with the vision of Dr. Alex Otti, whose administration remains resolute in strengthening the hospitality sector in Abia.
While Chief Ekwụrụịbe revealed that the grading and classification exercise will be funded by the State government, he explained that the grading exercise is tailored towards unifying hospitality units, improve growth, and secure the confidence of visitors in respect to quality service delivery.
He stated that this initiative shall add to the beauty of Abia State to both local and international travellers, adding that about 55 natural heritage sites have been discovered for transformation into tourist sites.
According to him, the natural heritage sites include: Azụmini Blue River and the Petersquare Arọ Waterfall, among other attractive sites in Abia.
On her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Barr. Chibụzọ Ehiemere, assured stakeholders that the grading exercise will not be a financial burden to them.
She reminded them that there shall be financial inputs from the sectors just as she noted the Government of Abia State has pledged to fully sponsor the initiative to assist hospitality units, stressing that the government is determined to foster the sector.
The Permanent Secretary who stated that the engagement policy aims to achieve transparency between the State government and the operators, also disclosed that plans are underway to digitalize the industry to match global standard.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, Mr. Edosa Eghobamien, described the grading and classification scheme as a strategic review process which analyses infrastructure, the height of hygiene practiced, customer services among other critical areas in the sector.
The MD of Amena Tech expressed optimism that the initiative will foster healthy competition, attract investors, and make Abia outstanding, and an apparent center for tourism nationally and internationally.
He further said that this handshake between the State government and Amena Tech will foster professionalism and will be a milestone achievement in the hospitality industry.
Abia Govt Beckons on Private Sector to Invest in Hospitality Industry
By Nwoko
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