By Abasi Ita
As part of measures aimed at assisting hoteliers in Calabar to upgrade their facilities ahead of Carnival Calabar, the state government has released a total of ten million for disbursement to ten hotels in Calabar.
A breakdown of the package indicate that ten hotels will get one million each to enable them enhance their aesthetics and facilities in readiness for Carnival Calabar.
Summit Post News understand that the concept is part of trendy innovation conceived by the Cross River State Tourism Bureau under the scheme;”Empowering Hotels, Investing In Excellence” to revive the industry.
Handing over the cheques at a colorful ceremony held at Kada Cinemas, Marina Resort in Calabar,
the Managing Director of the Bureau Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong stated”This incentive is meant to buttress the unwavering commitment of the Bureau towards sustainable tourism and belief in the potentials of local businesses”
On the criteria used in selecting beneficiaries, Prince Ojoi revealed; ‘These ten exceptional hotels were carefully selected based on their commendable efforts in staying up to date with licensing requirements and their potential for remarkable growth”
“Today’s package is not merely a financial grant; it’s a vote of confidence in your commitment to excellence, service quality, and the advancement of our State’s tourism
landscape”, he said.
Ojoi revealed that the ten hotels will be closely monitored to ensure strict compliance with laid down rules in line with the grant criteria and the minimum requirements in the industry standards.
The Bureau boss disclosed that the incentive which is rolling off in the South will progress to the Central and Northern parts of the state within the first and second quarters of next year.
He lauded the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu for his commitment to fulfilling promises outlined in the “People’s First mantra”.
Prince Ojoi pointed out that “the package is a clear demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to fostering economic growth and empowerment within the state”
In his remarks, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem described the grant as a welcome development promising that the Assembly will come up with strong legislation on security and cleanliness to boost the sector.
The Speaker who was represented by the member for the Ikom 1 state constituency, Samuel Neji Abang, pledged the readiness of the 10th Assembly will cooperate with the Tourism Bureau and work with stakeholders to ensure the success of the industry in the state.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Abubakar Ewa implored the beneficiaries to make the most of what they have received and team up with the government to move the sector to greater heights
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ntufam Charles Ogar of Pyramid Hotels said no government in the state has ever done what Governor Otu has done with the grant.
Ogar, who is the Chairman lauded the government for the of Hoteliers Association in Cross River and said they will form a team to monitor and ensure that funds are judiciously used to achieve the set purpose