Calabar -Mr Charles Ogar, Chairman, Hoteliers Association of Cross River, has identified poor road network and lack of economic activities as the bane of the hospitality industry in the state.
Ogar made the remark on Wednesday in Calabar while briefing newsmen on preparations for the maiden edition of `Calabar Hospitality Fiesta’ billed for Oct 28. – Nov. 1
He also identified lack of tourism sites as a major reason for the slow pace of the hospitality business in the state.
Ogar said that though the industry witnessed geometric growth in the past, it had in recent times being confronted with harsh reality of stagnation in the arrival of guests into Calabar.
“The industry witnessed geometric growth of hotels numbering more than 300 over the years, but is now confronted with the harsh reality of stagnation in the arrival of guest into Calabar’’, he said.
The chairman said poor condition of roads had also made it difficult for intended tourists to visit the state, thus impeding on the state economy.
He however, applauded Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River for announcing his arrival with a proposal to construct sea port and a super highway in the state.
“We applaud governor Ayade for announcing his arrival with the dual signature projects of sea port and super highway.
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“If these projects are constructed, they will ventilate the business and economic space of the state and improve the current guest arrival index,’’ he said.
Ogar said that the practitioners in the hospitality industry in the state came together to organise the fiesta in order to provide access to valued customers and provide sales and marketing platform.
He appealed to the public to associate with the fiesta and expressed hope that it would metamorphose into a fulfilling business and pleasure event in the state’s tourism calendar. (NAN)
