The Delta State government has won the ‘Emerging Hospitality and Tourism Destination in Nigeria’ award in the 2024 Hotel Industry Excellence and Sustainability Award (HIESA).
The award ceremony was organised by the Sustainable Eco6tems, the organisers of 7th International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF) at the Abuja Continental Hotel (Former Sheraton) on April 25, 2024.
The Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Tourism, Amb. Huxley Unumadu received the Award on behalf of the government of Delta State.
Of all the nominees in the category the Award Selection committee made up of Industry leaders, Stakeholders and hospitality managers, the Delta State government’s expressed commitment to the development infrastructure, security and genuinely inspired collaborative leadership approach as evinced in His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda stood out.
Speaking to the audience at the venue of the award ceremony, in Abuja, Executive Director, IHTEF, Chibuikem Diala, said: “The Delta State government is galvanising landmark infrastructure, hospitality real estate, private sector investments and a safer society.
“The increasing number of thriving hospitality businesses opening in Asaba, Warri, Agbor and other parts of Delta State as well as major MICE programs holding in the state genuinely attests to a better future for the hospitality and tourism industry in the state.
“Delta State is also noted as the only state that organises Hospitality Colloquium – a training program for hotel/restaurants, owners, managers, supervisors, etc to equip the industry with requisite skills for the good of the sector.
“These have further inspired hospitality, tourism growth sustainability and creative thinking that has now earned Asaba an acknowledgement by UN as a ‘Creative City.’
The Award which was received by Ambassador Huxley Unumadu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Culture and Tourism on behalf of the government was presented by Mr Paul Kavanagh, General Manager The Wheatbaker Lagos on behalf of the organisers.
Responding, the SSA affirmed Delta State’s dedication to advancing the tourism sector and promoting sustainable practices.The 7th edition of IHTEF with theme “Emerge Together; Reimagining a Green Hospitality Economy” was declared open by the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John.
The Hospitality Industry Excellence and Sustainability Award is the hospitality industry’s renowned premium award event that recognizes institutions, organizations and individuals that have helped in the growth, development and sustainability of the hospitality and tourism sector via personal sacrifices,impactful policies, visionary leadership, innovation, investments, management, quality products, and excellence in service.
