Following the lingering insecurity challenges in the country, especially in the north, stakeholders in the hotels and hospitality industry in Kaduna state have converged on Kaduna, North West Nigeria, to discuss on how the industry can be used to address the challenges.
During a one-day summit in the State capital, on Wednesday, it was noted that step taken by the Kaduna state government for the grading and classification of hotels and hospitality outfits was in the right direction.
The stakeholders at the summit opined that the policy would go a long way in the fight against insecurity, as all outfits are expected to be on a register book of the government for proper identification.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Hon. Patience Fakai, explained that the stakeholders meeting was in line with the policy of Kaduna state government to ensure that the hotels and hospitality industry is safe for all and sundry.
While fielding questions from Journalists, the Commissioner further said that the meeting is to sensitize the stakeholders which aims at revamping the industry, and boost the tourism sector in the state.
According to Fakai, the stakeholders meeting was one of the steps being taken by the government to ensure that the hospitality and tourism industry in Kaduna state meets the national and international standard.
“This exercise is a cornerstone of our strategy to position Kaduna as a premier destination for tourism, business, and investment. This is to instituting a clear, transparent, and internationally recognized star-rating system,” the Commissioner explained.
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On his part, the Lead Consultant of the programme, Ini Akpabio, disclosed that the grading and classification exercise is to put all hotels and hospitality outfits in Kaduna State on a classification status.
The Consultant further explained that, the classification system is designed to provide
a level playing field where excellence is recognized.
In their separate remarks, the National Secretary of Hospitality and Tourism Management Association of Nigeria (HATMAN), Ayodele Arokoyo, the Kaduna state Coordinator of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria(FTAN), Tobi Bernard Thomas, the Secretary, Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA), Gaiya Mairai, applauded the policy, adding that it is a policy in the direct direction.
Speaking further, the Kaduna FTAN Coordinator explained that the exercise would build customers trust and confidence, just as it would drives operational excellence.
