A’Ibom Govt To Categorize Hospitality Outfits for Tourists

In anticipation of the influx of tourists into the State, the Akwa Ibom state government has commenced the grading of hotels within its territory.

In addition, the state government is also embarking on the documentation of all tourists sites aimed at the restoration and preservation of the rich historical and cultural relics for the future and posterity.

One of such relics under restoration is the Slave masters boat at Ifiayong by the Marina Resort which was confiscated by the natives during the heat of the slave trade in the early 19th century.

The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, disclosed these Wednesday in Uyo, while appearing as studio guest on ARISE Radio Live programme on XL106.9fm.

Sir Charles Udoh who was fielding questions on ‘Akwa Ibom Tourism’ and the ‘Christmas Unplugged 2.0’, hinted that, hotels in the State are being graded into different groups, to enable tourists and investors coming into the State, leverage on government’s endorsements of the facilities for their safety and security purposes.

He said parameters are set for the grading of these hospitality outfits into specific classes, for preferences of visitors and guests into the State, especially with the influx of of people being expected during the 32 days uninterrupted Christmas Unplugged season 2.0, loading.

He therefore urged operators of hospitality industry in the State, to utilize the opportunity maximally to ensure capturing of the names of their hotels on the list and in the right grade placement as this will form part of the content of the Discover AkwaIbom website which will be officially unveiled to the public prior to the December 2024 fiesta.

Speaking on the gains of the Christmas Unplugged 2.0 to Akwa Ibom people, the Tourism Commissioner said, there is something for everyone as all sectors stand to benefit including: transporters, hoteliers, telecommunication operators, artists, musicians, financial institutions, traders and even budding entrepreneurs, as they all have roles in the whole ecosystem of the 32 days mix grill of  contemporary entertainment and cultural displays.

Sir Udoh averred that, the Christmas Unplugged season 2.0  will be bigger and better with innovations to give the Public the anticipated excitement stating that plans are underway  for a Thank You visit to the 31 LGAs for their contributions to the success of the 2023 Christmas Unplugged which will also serve as an invitation to season 2.0 of the programme.

He said the visit to the LGAs will be colourful and massive, as it will be characterised with fanfare and roadshow.