Hotelier Makes Case For Hospitality Industry

The Vice Chairman, Rita Lori Hotels, Surulere,  Mr. Meyiwa Ogbebor last Saturday, said that an enabling environment was essential for the hospitality industry to thrive in the country.

He said this in Lagos in an interview with our Correspondent.

Ogbebor said that the hospitality industry was taxed heavily but the impact of what they paid was not well felt by the operators.

“The industry requires constant electricity, water and most importantly accessible roads for it to flourish.

“The road leading to my hotel for instance, has been neglected. It took the management N1million to rehabilitate the road, therefore, I ask, what is the essence of paying tax,’’ Ogbebor said.

He noted that proper utilisation of taxes to provide infrastructure, which the hospitality industry would benefit from would lure more tourists into the country.

“Tourism thrives more where an enabling environment is provided,’’ Ogbebor said.

He said that the hospitality industry had a positive impact on the society by being a big employer of labour and government at all levels should endeavour to play their part by providing basic infrastructures.

“Hospitality industry impacts positively on the society.

“I don’t think it is too much to request that government should in turn make the business environment conducive,’’ Ogbebor said.