The National Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has made significant strides in the realm of hospitality as it commenced its hotels and hospitality accreditation and enumeration exercise in Ekiti State.
The NTDA ‘s team which paid a visit to the Director-General of the Bureau of Tourism Development, Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre on Tuesday 15 October 2024 including Director of Hospitality and Travel Trade Mrs. Deborah Gwatiyap and her colleague Mrs. Lola Adeyemi, presented their mission .
Barrister Wale Ojo-Lanre described the accreditation exercise as “timely and apt,” particularly as Ekiti State is in the process of formulating its Tourism Policy and Tourism Development Master Plan. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in enhancing the standards of hospitality and tourism in the state which is an integral part of the government’s strategy to boost local economies and improve tourist experiences.
The meeting saw attendance from Hon. Akin Abimbola, the Secretary of the Ekiti State Hoteliers Association, who expressed enthusiasm about the initiative and emphasized its shared benefits for all stakeholders involved. The team elaborated on the numerous advantages that hotel accreditation and enumeration can bring, including improved service quality, customer satisfaction, and a stronger brand image for Ekiti State’s hospitality sector.
Hon. Akin Abimbola pledged unwavering support from members of the Hoteliers Association, agreeing that the initiative would provide the necessary framework to elevate the hospitality industry in Ekiti State to national standards. “Our collaboration with the NTDA is essential for creating a prosperous future for our tourism sector,” he stated.
The exercise will not only enhance the credibility of hotels in Ekiti but will also play a significant role in attracting more tourists and investors to the region.
The NTDA team expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the Ekiti State officials and looks forward to a fruitful partnership aimed at establishing a robust tourism infrastructure that benefits both local businesses and tourists alike.
