The Special Assistant to Abia State Governor on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs. Matilda Anyamele, has called on industry owners in the state not to relent in their support towards the developmental agenda of Governor Alex Otti.
Mrs Anyamele who made the call in Umuahia during a meeting with hospitality industry owners, Eateries and Event Centre Operators in the Abia, organized by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuruibe, underscored the importance of aligning local businesses with the state’s vision for growth in tourism, arts, and culture.
Mrs. Anyamele disclosed that Abia State possesses an abundance of untapped tourism potential, which, when harnessed, would drive both economic growth and global recognition for the state.
She urged hoteliers, restaurateurs, and entertainment venue operators to not only provide quality services but also contribute to creating an inviting atmosphere that showcases the state’s rich cultural heritage.
“Governor Otti’s administration has a clear vision for Abia State’s transformation, with a strong emphasis on the tourism sector,”
“For this vision to succeed, we need your collaboration. You are at the forefront of tourism in this state, and by embracing the cultural and artistic potentials we have, you can be pivotal in driving this change.” Mrs Anyamele stated.
“Abia is home to a diverse array of arts, crafts, and cultural traditions that remain largely under exploited,” She added.
According to Mrs. Anyamele, who is a prominent advocate for tourism and cultural development in Nigeria, integrating these cultural elements into hospitality services through local art displays, traditional music, and cuisine, will help promote the state’s unique identity as well as attract both domestic and international visitors, increase foot traffic to hotels and boosting local businesses.
She noted that tourism development plan under Governor Otti includes infrastructure upgrades, better promotion of historical sites, and the creation of vibrant cultural festivals to celebrate the state’s heritage, and stressed that these initiatives can not succeed without the active participation of hospitality businesses.
Mrs Anyamele further encouraged the stakeholders to invest in training their staff on cultural awareness and customer service excellence to enhance the experience of tourists.
She also emphasized the need for environmental sustainability, urging businesses to adopt green practices that would preserve Abia’s natural beauty and appeal to eco-conscious travelers.
“Abia State has immense potential, and with the collective efforts of the hospitality industry and Governor Otti’s leadership, we can elevate the state to the forefront of the nation’s tourism and cultural scene. Now is the time to take that step forward.” She said.
The stakeholders in attendance responded positively, vowing to align their businesses with the state’s developmental goals and contribute to a brighter future for Abia’s tourism sector.
