The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the appointment of Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of one of Africa’s leading hospitality management companies – Icon Hotel Group Africa – as managers of its Uyo based 5-star Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort.
This is in a bid to further grow Tourism and Hospitality potentials of the state as economic activities resume nationwide.
Performing the handover ceremony on behalf of the state government, the Chief of staff to the Governor, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-Eyen who charged the Icon Hotels & Resorts management team to bring their globally rated, authentic African hospitality-infused expertise to bear in managing the hotel.
While congratulating Icon Hotels & Resorts on the appointment, the governor stressed the need to onboard innovative ideas in attracting patronage for the hotel and the overall tourism development of the state. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the new managers in the discharge of their duties as both parties collectively ensure that Ibom Hotel becomes one of the leading hotel brands in Africa.
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Governor Emmanuel said, “We expect that in the next 12 months the hotel should manifest a new culture and environment to attract patronage” urging the new management to shun victimization of workers and stressed the need for them to use those already working there, especially those who are good at their jobs.
In response, Fred Maina the Group CEO of Icon Hotel Group Africa thanked the government of the state for trusting their competence and expertise in turning around the fortunes of the hotel for the better. According to the respected hospitality management czar, the next 12 months will see the Hotel recording tuned up customer experiences in services, refreshed ambience and world class trained personnel. It will also see the hotel significantly contributing to the State’s revenue with increased inflow of tourists and businesses.
In his remarks, Mr. Adetope Kayode the CEO of Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria thanked the State Government for the privilege given to the Company to take over the management of Ibom Hotel. Kayode expressed happiness at the confidence reposed in their management team and their ability to attract the best African hospitality talent to ensure the success of the hotel. While pledging his team’s resolve to change the fortunes of the hospitality outfit in the State to become a world-class venture, he said they have all it takes to turn around the hotel to the desired state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon. Orman Esin had thanked the Governor for his resolve in ensuring that Akwa Ibom State remains a destination of choice and for allowing private sector participation in the development of the State’s economy, saying the initiative has brought about added value.
Rt. Hon. Esin lauded the governor for identifying a capable company to take over the management of the hotel. He further reiterated that the Government’s decision is in a bid to ensure that Akwa Ibom State reaps dividends of democracy and a proof of the selfless interest of the Governor for the development of the State. He confidently expressed confidence that the management of Icon Hotels and Resorts will take the hotel to the next level and expressed optimism that their coming on board will add value to the state.
Also present at the ceremony were: Mr. Brian Efa, the outgone Acting General Manager of the hotel, Directors in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, amongst others.
