In a move geared towards to improving the tourism industry in Cross River State, state governor, Bassey Edet Otu, through the CRS Tourism Bureau, has awarded a one million naira grant to 20 hotel facilities in the three senatorial districts of the state.
The event, which held on Thursday in Calabar with the theme: “Empowering Hotels, Investing in Excellence- Our commitment to sustainable Tourism”, also featured an extension of a grant of 500 thousand naira to 15 restaurants in the state.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Ekpenyong Ojoi affirmed the state governor’s commitment to ensuring an enabling environment for businesses in the tourism industry to thrive in the state.
Ojoi, while also disclosing that the grant which began in 2023 saw an investment of 20 million naira in hotel facilities in the state, further urged the hotel managers to ensure good service delivery.
Special Adviser, General Duties to the governor, Ekpenyong Akiba, emphasized the role of tourism in enhancing development, revenue generation and fostering economic progress, while applauding the governor’s efforts in investing positively in the tourism industry in the state.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries and further discussions on how government can further support hoteliers in the state to upgrade services in the state.
