Carnival in Calabar: Hotel owners receive government subsidy for renovations
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The Cross River State Government has awarded a grant of N10 million to the first 10 selected hotels in Calabar to renovate their facilities ahead of the Calabar Carnival.
The grant was handed over by the Managing Director of the State Tourism Board, Prince Ojoy Ekpenyong, on Tuesday at the Marina Resort Calabar, on the directives of the State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu.
Mr Ekpenyong told the assembled hoteliers and hospitality industry stakeholders that tourism was of great importance to the state.
He said the grant, while small, is meant to help hotels reset receptions and replace bedding as the government anticipates a huge number of tourists, guests and participants. He said that.
“Although this grant is a first phase, the governor’s real intention is to ensure that the ambience and condition of hotels in Calabar are updated and cleaned in view of the thousands of guests and visitors who will be coming to Carnival starting next week. This is a unique initiative.
“Similar initiatives will soon be expanded to hotels in Saint Fal and upstate.
“Please ensure this funding is utilized where it is intended,” he stressed.
Elbert Ayambem, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, represented by Minority Leader Hon Ayambem. Mr. Samuel Neji Abang, representing Ikom 1, promised that the lawmakers would enforce the state law to ensure peace, safety and cleanliness in the city during Carnival.
Secretary of Tourism and Culture Abubakar Ewa cited the number of rooms, functionality, and power supply facilities as criteria for selecting the 10 hotels.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Charles Ogar, Chairman of the State Hotel Owners Association, praised the government’s stance.
he said: “Every hotel needs help. With over 300 hotels in the state, we appreciate the amount given to a select few hotels during this time. As we prepare to receive visitors, We will ensure that this subsidy is applied carefully.”
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Source: dailypost.ng