A two-day Stakeholders’ Engagement for the Hospitality and Tourism Sectors has commenced in Abia State, with a call on stakeholders to embrace innovation, standardization and strategic partnerships as critical drivers of sustainable growth.
The forum, organised by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, was declared open in Umuahia by the Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chief Matthew Ekwuribe.
Speaking at the event, Chief Ekwuribe reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Alex Otti administration to creating an enabling environment that attracts investment, generates employment and positions Abia as a preferred tourism destination in Nigeria.
The Commissioner urged hospitality operators across the State to align with ongoing reform initiatives of the government, adopt global best practices and leverage technology to enhance service delivery and competitiveness.
He disclosed that the State Government would embark on a comprehensive inspection, grading and classification exercise across hospitality and tourism facilities.
Chief Ekwuruibe said that the initiative is designed to upgrade standards within the hospitality industry and tackle the long-standing challenge of poor maintenance.
He explained that the infusion of technology into the sector would enable customers to share real-time experiences, thereby encouraging operators to maintain high standards.
According to him, proper grading and classification of facilities, would make them more attractive to both local and international visitors and position Abia as a competitive tourism hub.
In his address, the Managing Director of Amena Hospitality and Tourism Innovation Technology Solution, Edosa Eghobamien, said the engagement would provide participants with practical insights into emerging trends, digital solutions and innovative management models capable of transforming the sector.
Eghobamien noted that the integration of technology into hospitality operations from bookings and customer experience management to data analytics and digital marketing, has become indispensable in a rapidly evolving global tourism landscape.
He expressed his organisation’s readiness to support the State in building a competitive and sustainable tourism ecosystem, adding that sustained collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders would drive significant growth, increase revenue generation and enhance the sector’s visibility at national and international levels.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Chibuzo Ehiemere, described hospitality and tourism as critical pillars in Abia’s economic diversification agenda.
She stated that the Ministry’s core mandate is to strategically develop and reposition the tourism industry to meet modern standards, strengthen competitiveness and contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic growth across the State.
In their separate 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, noted that continuous dialogue and periodic policy reviews as essential to sustaining growth, boosting patronage and expanding economic opportunities for residents.
They also commended Governor Otti for what they described as transformative strides in infrastructure and governance, particularly as they affect the hospitality industry.
The duo called for a more considerate and business-friendly tax regime to ease operational pressures on hotel owners and stimulate further investment.
The Director-General of the Abia State Tourism Board, Lady Kate Emezue, and other key players in the tourism and hospitality industry were in attendance at the engagement.
