An expert in the hotel and tourism, Dr. Tobi Bernard Thomas, has advised all hotel owners, operating in Kaduna state to register with the Nigeria Hotel Association (NHA) for cohesive bond.
Highlighting why it becomes important for all hotel owners operating in Kaduna should register with the NHA Kaduna Council, the expert states that the registration would afford the NHA to have a proper data of all hotels in the state.
While also noting that beyond data collation, it will also help to reduce security threat and crime in the state.
He explained that this registration would enable both the government and the association to effectively monitor the progress of the industry, as it contributes largely to the economy of the state.
Dr. Thomas made the recommendations in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna on Sunday, noting that through the registration, the NHA, Kaduna Council will have more ability to negotiate with the government at all times from a positive position of strength.
The expert also enjoined hotel owners in the state to continue supporting Kaduna state government in its effort to repositioning the state for the benefit of all and sundry.
This is as Dr. Thomas appeal to the Kaduna state government to provide more enabling environment for the hotel operators, considering the role the industry is playing in the socio-economic development of the state.
Dr. Thomas who is also the state Coordinator of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), an umbrella body of all tourism related sectors, however, noted that hotel businesses have also been negatively impacted by the recent hike in electricity tariff and the increase in the fuel pump price, and cost of all other alternative power supply.
While urging government to look into the negative impact this has brought into various businesses, the expert also advised government to partner with associated body like FTAN to further establish the State Tourism and Hospitality Development Trust Fund.
” If established, the State Tourism and Hospitality Development Trust Fund will definately transformed the sector and will equally aid the vision in thriving the state’s economy across the globe,” Dr. Thomas said.
