The current economic re
cession in the country has forced some hotel operators in Asaba to slash their tariffs by between 35 per cent and 39 per cent to attract customers and remain in business.
Some of the operators told newsmen in Asaba that the tariff cut followed decline in patronage experienced by hotels in recent months.
One of the operators, , General Manager of Nelrose Hotels, Mr Clement Odeiga said patronage had dropped significantly in the last six months, as such the only way to remain in business, was to reduce charges.
“Following the current economic situation in the country, we decided to reduce our rates to reasonable amount, just to attract more customers.
“For instance, we have reduced the rates for our super executive room from N40,000 to N25,000, while our standard room now goes for N15,000 as against N25,000,” he said.
Odeiga said the hotel management had also introduced some new services to attract more customers.
A staff of Emerald Hotel, Mr Kingsly Osakwe, also complained of low patronage in recent months and adding that the hotel slashed its tariffs to attract more patronage.
“The charge for our standard room per night is now N14 000 as against N23, 500,” he said.
Osakwe commended the Delta State Government for its laudable programmes, and called for the development of the tourism sector in the state.
He noted that if tourism was developed in the state, it would boost the economy.
Meanwhile, a businessman in Asaba, Mr Philip Edeh, has commended the Asaba hotel operators for scaling down their charges, urging them to also improve on their services and ensure clean environment.