The Delta State Tourism Board has warned players in the hospitality sector, especially hotel owners in the state that are yet to register with the government to do so and adhere strictly to its rules and regulations or face sanctions.
Addressing people at Osubi Airport, in the Okpe Local Government Area of the state on the importance of tourism, the General Manager of the Board, Josephine Anyameluho Ogbolu, said the board has the responsibility to register, classify, grade and monitor operations of hospitality establishments in the state to avoid any breach of peace and security.
She added that the hospitality establishment includes accommodation facilities, restaurants, lounges, and apartments among others.
She said: “We have security issues across the country, but on our own as a state, we try to minimise as much as possible, so what we have done over time, we have a very cordial relationship and understanding with the Delta state police command, Asaba, where assigned officers monitored the hospitality sector.
“So, the police work between the board and hotel associations. Like Warri, Sapele and Asaba hotel associations and others. So, whatever comes up, we liaise between hotels hospitality establishments and the police for any security issues that come up. Hotels in the state are registered with the state government, also as an IGR drive to the state.”
She said the board has taken it upon itself to establish ‘Tourism and Information Desks’ at the Osubi Airport and Asaba International Airport and other places acting as gateways to the state will follow as a way of propelling Delta State into the global spotlight, presenting the world with a captivating blend of the state’s culture, heritage, and diverse attractions.
“Delta State Tourism and Information Desk is basically for tourists coming into the state, it’s a desk where they can get first-hand information on tourism where some information materials and others will be on display and basically to sell Delta state as a preferred destination.
“We will replicate the same in Asaba, we have two airports in Delta state. Delta State Tourism Board has the mandate to market and promote tourism in the state, so, this is part of our mandate. We are trying to achieve the mandate that the government has set up for the board to do.
“Delta State is a tourist hub, you will find out that we are endowed with symbolic rivers, creeks, and lakes; they are just beautiful sites that you cannot do without.
“We have historical sites to behold in the state, like the largest waterpark in West Africa, Park Vega Waterpark located in Agbor, the national museum, the Mungo Park house, and the first office of the Royal Niger Company, all of that are historical sites.
“We have the Lander Brothers Anchorage. We have the source of the River Ethiope in Umuaja, the deepest inland waterways in Africa located at Umuaja, Mariam Babangida leisure park for fun activities, Delta State film village which has become a hub for production of epic dramas in Nollywood, the Turf, Falcon Mangrove Park, Nana living history museum, Araya Bible Site, Mandela Garden, the burial palace of Olu of Warri, Olona Ranch and Holiday Resort.”
