Members of Imo State Hotel Owners Association have cried out to the state government over multiple taxation, however urged the state government to do something urgent to rescue them from the high multiple taxation.
Mr. Chima Chukwunyere – the Chief Servant of the Association in an address presented at the occasion marking the 2021 World Tourism Day celebration in Owerri, alleged that some unscrupulous touts in alliance with corrupt judiciary staff had formed the notorious habit of securing kangaroo court orders and enforcing same to the detriment of the hospitality industry.
He cited that obtained in 2017 by an agent in charge of abatement of waste water flowing from hotel premises into the gutters as a case in point and a gnashed court order issued on 2nd Dec 2020 against some hotels as classical examples.
Speaking further, on the importance and indispensability of the hospitality industry to society, Chukwunyere argued that no tourism ever thrives in any part of the globe without the hotel industry.
He therefore appealed to governor Hope Uzodinma to restore the honour and dignity of the Tourism Industry in the state by checkmating the excesses of miscreants who he said masquerade themselves as government revenue agents and to intensify onslaught against criminal elements all of which impede the growth and development of hotel business in the state.
As the second largest employer of labour in the state, Chukwunyere also urged the state government to fashion out more programmes and policies to further boost tourism as a cynosure in the state.
Uche Ohia(Ph.D)-Commissioner for Tourism in the state said that the theme of the celebration “Tourism for inclusive growth” under scored the role of tourism as a driver of economic growth inclusive development and environmental sustainability.
“This theme is in tandem with the vision of our dear governor distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma which is to make Imo an irresistible destination not only for leisure and entertainment, but also for business, conference, educational not only for leisure and entertainment but also for business, conference, educational, medical, heritage and ecotourism”.
Our roadmap is geared towards reappraisal and rehabilitation of our Tourist sites, inspection, grading, training and recertification of hospitality facilities, and up scaling of the tourism environment to enhance access to all tourism clusters.
In a goodwill message at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy affairs Hon. (Mrs.) Ruby Emele, thanked and commended the State governor Hope Uzodimma for his contribution to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry in the state.
She joining the stakeholders in the sector thanked the governor for his commitment to enhance security, quality of infrastructural development and urban renewal and therefore wish the association happy celebration.
