Imo State Government, is reviewing it’s policy on tourism development for the purpose of generating more revenue for the state work
For this reason, the Government has announced plans to prioritize it’s infrastructural development and security to create an enabling environment for tourism and investment to flourish
The Commissioner for Tourism Dr. Uche Ohia disclosed this at a one day workshop on “Tourism Leadership” jointly organized by the International Hospitality Tourism and ECO –Sustainability Forum (IHTEF Africa) and the Imo State Hoteliers Association in Owerri.
Ohia said that in synergy with Tourism stakeholders, the state government was gearing up to rebrand and to promote tourism in the state to encourage local and foreign investment.
This, he said would create job opportunities for a broad spectrum of persons who today are unemployed
Enumerating the great potentials of the state for tourism development aside its natural geographical location that makes it equ-distant to most major cities of the south East and South South geographical zones, the Commissioner said that his Ministry is exploring all options towards boosting tourism by expanding visitor traffic to the state.
He stressed the need for training of staff in the Industry generally and in the hospitality sector in particular, adding that the state government would soon unveil a mandatory training schedule for all hospitality personnel in the state.
This, he said is to ensure that global tourism practices and global standards are maintained.
Chima Chukwunyere Chairman of the State Hoteliers Association had earlier highlighted the objectives of the training to include: equipping hospitality leaders with necessary leadership skills to run profitable and standard hotels, assist hotel owners/management to improve and to maximize revenue as well as to support the standardization and professional management of Hotels in the state.
