Tourism Ministry commences recertification of hotels, tourist facilities

 

 ...To close facilities in breach of statutory obligations

                           Mazi Ohia

Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has began the recertification of tourism facilities and establishments with an inspection visit to Rento Hotel and Suites, Owerri, Thursday.

Speaking during the visit, the Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Mazi Uche Ohia, PhD, said: "The objective of the recertification exercise is to verify the registration, operations and compliance of hotels and other facilities in the tourism and hospitality industry with existing laws and regulations and to ensure that all registered tourism establishments observe minimum standards and maintain best industry practices."

Mazi Ohia, pointed out that the recertification exercise is mandatory and warned that any tourism facility or establishment that fails to undergo the recertification exercise will be sealed off by Government.

In a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Rento Hotel and Suites, Chief Chika Emenike, the Commissioner said: "We are here specifically on an official visit to inspect the facilities you have and to ensure that you comply with standards. Government appreciates the investment you made and I am satisfied with what I have seen; Rento is an exemplary facility". 

He urged the hotel management not to regard government as an enemy when there is drive for payment of statutory revenue and advised that hotel proprietors should call on the office to know their obligations and fulfill them."

He gave an assurance that Government will continue to provide infrastructure and security to ensure conducive business environment in the state.

Responding, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rento Hotel and Suites, Chief Chika Emenike, noted that as a law abiding investor, he will meet all statutory obligations adding that Government should be socially oriented in its revenue generation efforts.

"Let your drive not be to make money alone but to enforce standards and make things work for the benefit of the people", he admonished

Chief Emenike, who said he believes in excellence and would be part of any endeavour to make Imo better lamented the distortions of Owerri Master Plan. He disclosed that his investments were in the East and has over 3000 employees. The renowned industrialist charged the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts to ensure that Imo State does not lose its leadership position in hospitality and tourism in South East Nigeria.

The team inspected facilities in the hotel including the kitchen, VIP bar, the fitness gym, rooms, barbing salon, and reception hall, among others, and returned an "A" rating for the facilities and services rendered at the hotel.

In the Commissioner's team were Hon Bobby Michaels Uchechukwu, Special Adviser to Imo State Governor on Creative Arts; Sir T.U.C Nwokonkwo, Permanent Secretary; Heads of Departments of the Ministry; and the Acting General Manager of Imo State Tourism Board, among other staff of the Ministry.