Abia State government has initiated moves to reposition and ensure the hospitality industry operates at global quality standards of service, security protocols, safety, and sustainable practices.
Special adviser to the governor on policies and interventions, the Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru stated this at a public hearing of a draft policy on regulation of the industry in Umuahia, the state capital.
The coordinator of the hearing explained that its essence was to invite the inputs and carry stakeholders in the industry in the state along in the policy formulation for mutual maximum benefits.
“This policy provides a clear regulatory framework that aligns with international best practices, ensuring that all hospitality establishments in the state deliver exceptional services,” he said.
“It speaks to our commitment to fostering a thriving, competitive, and environmentally responsible hospitality industry that benefits our local communities and attracts visitors from around the globe.”
In a remark, the senior special assistant to the governor on tourism and entertainment, Justice Martins said the need for the hearing arose to factor in the stakeholders’ inputs into the policy.
“There is no way we are going to finish all of these and not have the inputs of the stakeholders. We will surely inform you when we are done with that process,” he added.
The stakeholders included the chairman of the state’s chapter of Nigeria Hotels, Charles Ezeala, Peterson Agu and Cletus Ibeh among others, who described the policy as a good idea.
Requesting that a draft of the policy be made available to them for study and to make necessary inputs, they assured of their readiness to partner with the government to drive the policy.