The 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 ended in Aba with a call on stakeholders to embrace standardization, innovation and strategic collaboration as critical steps toward repositioning Abia’s hospitality and tourism industry for sustainable growth.
Declaring close the stakeholders engagement, the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe, said the engagement provided an opportunity for operators to align with the reform-driven vision of Governor Alex Otti aimed at strengthening and promoting the state’s hospitality sector.
Chief Ekwuribe while disclosing that the forthcoming grading and classification exercise would be fully funded by the state government, explained that the essence of the grading exercise is to unify hospitality establishments under a credible and transparent standard that will boost visitors’ confidence and improve service delivery across the state.
According to him, the initiative will also enhance visibility for operators and make Abia more attractive to both local and international travelers, noting that about 55 natural heritage sites have been identified for transformation into tourist destinations, including the Azummiri River and the picturesque Aro Waterfall, alongside other caves and attractions across the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Barr. Mrs Chibuzo Ehiemere, reassured stakeholders that the grading and classification exercise would not impose any financial burden on them. She acknowledged concerns about possible charges but emphasized that the state government has resolved to fully sponsor the initiative as part of its commitment to sectoral development.
Barr. Ehiemere noted that the engagement was designed to encourage transparency, strengthen trust between government and operators, and ensure smooth implementation of the reform process. She reiterated the ministry’s determination to digitize and standardize the industry to meet modern operational benchmarks.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, Mr Edosa Eghobamien, described the grading and classification exercise as a systematic evaluation process that assesses establishments based on service standards, infrastructure, operational efficiency, hygiene compliance, safety practices and customer experience.
Mr. Eghobamien added that the initiative would improve competitiveness, attract investors and position Abia as a preferred hospitality and tourism destination in Nigeria and beyond. He expressed confidence that the partnership between the ministry and Amena Tech will usher in a new era of professionalism and sustainable growth for the sector.
