The Cross River State government has clarified its rationale for distributing millions of naira in grants to hoteliers and restaurant owners.
Sources indicate that since Governor Bassey Otu took office last year, approximately N50 million has been allocated as grants to those in the hospitality industry.
During a recent Tourism Award ceremony at the Monty Suit in Calabar, 20 hoteliers received N1 million each, while 15 restaurant operators were awarded N500,000 each. This marks the third occasion that the administration has provided grants to the hospitality sector.
The Special Adviser to Governor Otu, Ekpenyong Akiba stated, “This initiative is part of Governor Bassey Otu’s planned policies aimed at encouraging local hospitality providers to enhance their services, particularly as tourism—an important job creator—is expanding in Cross River State.
“This sector presents numerous opportunities for job creation, cultural enhancement, and revenue generation. We cannot permit it to decline due to a lack of financial support for maintaining facilities. This funding serves to motivate and prepare our hospitality sector to offer world-class services. Cross River must be equipped to handle growth and development challenges.”
Ekpenyong Ojoi, Managing Director of the State Tourism Bureau, noted that around N50 million has been distributed to hoteliers and restaurant owners over the past year. He anticipated that by the end of the Governor’s eight-year term, approximately N300 million would have been invested in the hospitality sector, with an annual contribution of about N50 million.
He urged hoteliers to respond to this support by improving their facilities and providing high-quality service to attract returning visitors, thereby enhancing the state’s appeal as a tourism destination.
Regarding eligibility for the grants, Ojoi explained that hotels must meet certain standards, register with the State Tourism Bureau, and become members of the State’s Hotels Association.
He reiterated Governor Otu’s commitment to strengthen the hospitality sector as part of a broader strategy to boost tourism, themed “Empowering Hotels and Investing in Excellence,” underscoring the importance of sustainable tourism.
Charles Ogar, Chairman of the Hotels Association, praised the grant initiative as unprecedented and expressed the commitment of his fellow hoteliers to provide excellent service to guests and visitors during upcoming events like the Carnival Calabar.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Cross River govt reiterates commitment to health of residents
and then