We are doing hotels and eateries compilation by alphabetical order, arranged by location and classification with extensive training package for all personnel in the tourism industry~Imo State Commissioner for Tourism
The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) will do whatever is within it's powers to support the development of the tourism sector in Imo State. The promise was made by the South East Zonal Director of the NTDC, Mrs Annette Chioma Ibe, during a courtesy visit to the Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Mazi Uche Ohia, which took place in Owerri on Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
She commended the state governor, for prioritizing Tourism which, she said, is the way forward in this era of diversification. Mrs Ibe expressed surprise that Imo State was so calm and peaceful contrary to the impression created by the media. She commended the State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, for prioritizing security which, she said, is the axis on which Tourism revolves as no one would like to visit an unsafe destination. Mrs Ibe lauded the Governor for the ongoing infrastructural developments all over the state and the enhanced traffic management which has resulted in free flow of traffic in Owerri metropolis.
The NTDC Zonal boss stated that as a Federal Agency saddled with the responsibility of tourism promotion and development, she was pleased and impressed with the efforts of the tourism ministry to change the narrative of tourism in Imo State. She said that NTDC will give every support to the state and collaborate fully with the ministry and with other State agencies to take tourism in Imo State to a new level.
The Zonal Director observed that from the articulate presentation and proactive style of the Hon. Commissioner, tourism development in Imo State is standing on a firm footing and the only way to go is up. NTDC, she said, will give every suppprt and assistance to ensure that the Imo State tourism vision is realised and the targets met.
She disclosed that NTDC has men on ground in their Owerri Liaison office to join forces with the ministry and assured the Hon. Commissioner that the NTDC Zonal Office at Enugu will work closely with him to actualize the Imo State Tourism Roadmap.
Welcoming the Zonal Director of NTDC, Mrs Annette Chioma Ibe, earlier, the Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Mazi Uche Ohia, expressed the willingness of the Ministry to partner with all stakeholders in the Tourism Sector for rapid development of the sector.
"Aside from it's unique geographical location, a warm and hospitable populace, well developed hotel facilities, assorted local culinary delicacies, a calm and peaceful disposition, and a reputation for leisure and entertainment, Imo State has immense tourism assets and products many of which were neglected or left unharnessed by previous administrations", he said.
Going further, he said" "Imo State is richly endowed with ample structures to support every type of tourism and the state government is well disposed to Public - Private Partnerships for Tourism development".
He listed some of the tourist attractions and products in the state to include Lakes such as the Blue Lake at Oguta and Abadaba Lake at Okwuahia, Obowo, the Imo Zoo and Wildlife Park at Nekede, which support ecotourism, historic monuments and homes of historic figures such as Olaudah Equiano, Jaja of Opobo, former World Lightweight Boxing Champion Dick Tiger, Mazi Mbonu Ojike, etc, Golf courses at Oguta and Obinze, monkey colonies at Lagwa, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Aji and Omuma in Oru East LGA, the fascinating confluence of Ogbuide and Urashi at Oguta, Nworie and Otammiri at Nekede, Civil War Relics, etc supported by a cargo airport, numerous travel, tour and transport companies, eateries, event centres, and over 1000 hotels of all standards. He mentioned also over a dozen tertiary institutions in Imo State to support Educational Tourism, Mbari Centres, old churches and oracles and places of traditional worship as well as the proposed Nworie Riverside Park.
Mazi Ohia said that the State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma had shown demonstrable commitment to the transformation of Imo State into a major tourism hub through quality infrastructural development, fortification of the security architecture and sustainable manpower development.
The Commissioner listed the bold steps taken by the Tourism Ministry since his assumption of office to include the Design of a Draft Tourism Roadmap as directed by the Governor, compilation of a volume of comprehensive list of hotels in Imo State in alphabetical order and compilation of another volume arranged by location pending inspection and classification. Compilation of lists of other tourism subsectors and facilities to mention but a few, he said, are ongoing.
Mazi Ohia disclosed that the ministry is gearing up to publish a Directory of Hotels & Lodging in Imo State, an Imo State Tourist Guide, an Imo State Tourism Calender, and other destination specific innovations online and offline to make Tourism information more accessible to visitors, prospective visitors, diplomatic community as well as conference planners.
To raise service efficiency to global standards, he said that the ministry would soon unfold an extensive training package for all personnel in the tourism industry to ensure that the tourism sector meets not just industry best practices but meets global standards as well.
Mazi Uche Ohia disclosed that the branding of the state would soon commence followed by massive destination marketing of Imo State as an irresistible tourism destination. He called on NTDC to help promote the tourism sites and products in Imo State and assured that Imo State had keyed into the National Tourism Masterplan.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Mr. TUC Nwokonkwo, assured the NTDC Zonal Director that the passion exhibited by the Hon. Commissioner and the commitment demonstrably shown by the Governor had persuaded and inspired the management and staff of the Ministry to agree that a new dawn had come for tourism development in Imo State.
In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Zonal Director of NTDC, Mr Patrick Okochi, noted that the vibrancy and enthusiasm which he had seen on display makes it clear that the tourism sector is about to receive a new lease of life in Imo State. He thanked the Hon. Commissioner for the warm reception and assured that NTDC will always extend a hand of partnership to the ministry, going forward.
Publisher: Don Martyn L.O Nwosu
Ikeduru APC Media Hub
08032950897
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