A two-day Stakeholders’ Engagement for Hospitality and Tourism Sectors, organized by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, has commenced in the state with a charge on the stakeholders’ to embrace innovation, standardization and strategic partnerships as key drivers of growth.
Declaring the meeting open in Umuahia, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, noted that the Governor Alex Otti led administration is committed to creating an enabling environment that will attract investment, generate employment and position the state as a preferred tourism destination, also urged hospitality operators to align with the state government’s reform initiatives, adopt global best practices and leverage technology to improve service delivery.
Chief Ekwuribe while reaffirming the resolve of the State Government to upgrade standards across the state’s hospitality and tourism sector through a comprehensive inspection, grading and classification exercise, noted that the initiative will also address the long-standing challenge of poor maintenance within the industry.
He further explained that the infusion of technology will allow customers to share real-time experiences, encouraging operators to maintain high standards and improve service delivery, adding that once facilities are properly graded, they become more attractive to visitors locally and internationally, positioning Abia as a competitive tourism destination.
In his speech, the Managing Director of Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, Mr. Edosa Eghobamien, said the forum would provide participants with practical insights into emerging trends, digital solutions and innovative management models that can transform the sector, adding that the integration of technology into hospitality operations ranging from bookings and customer experience management to data analytics and marketing has become indispensable in a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape.
He disclosed the commitment of his agency to supporting the state in building a competitive and sustainable tourism ecosystem and expressed optimism that with sustained collaboration between government and private sector players, the hospitality and tourism industries will witness significant growth, increased revenue generation and enhanced visibility both nationally and internationally.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs Chibuzo Ehiemere, while describing the hospitality and tourism sectors as critical pillars in Abia’s economic diversification drive, emphasized that the core mandate of the ministry is to strategically develop and reposition the tourism industry to meet modern standards, enhance competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic growth across the State.
In their speeches, some of the Stakeholders’ including the Chairman of the Nigeria Hotels Association, Abia State chapter, Prince Charles Ezeala and a hotelier, Prince Ikenna Oham, described the stakeholders’ engagement as a timely initiative to strengthen collaboration among operators, regulators and investors in the hospitality sector, noting that continuous dialogue and periodic policy reviews are essential to sustain growth, boost patronage and expand economic opportunities for Abians.
They also commended Governor Otti for his transformative strides across the state, especially in the hospitality industry and called for a more considerate and business-friendly tax system to ease operational pressures on hotel owners and encourage further investment.
The DG, Abia State Tourism Board, Lady Kate Emezue, among other stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry were present during the stakeholders engagement.
