September 22, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom state government has said 5000 tourism companies are to be issued certificates to authenticate their businesses in the state tourism sector.
It also opened the Tourism Information Desk at the state-owned Ibom Airport to guide tourists visiting the state.
Speaking in Uyo on Wednesday during the unveiling of the Ibom Airport Tourism Information Desk, the chairman of Akwa Ibom State Hotels and Management Board, Obong Ini Akpabio, said the Desk would provide the needed information to all travellers and tourists coming into the state.
“The Desk is to provide much-needed information to all travellers and tourists into our state who require knowledge of our hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets and entertainment centres that are safe for patronage.
“In addition, we intend to promote to visitors our tourism sites like Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the 21-storey Smart Building, the Ibom Golf course and when completed, the International Worship Centre, in addition to our heritage sites.”
Akpabio said providing the Desk necessitated the certification and documentation of tourism business premises in the state to ensure easy identification in case of security breaches and tourism-related crimes like armed robbery, human trafficking and drug abuse.
“The certificates will certify that the hospitality enterprise has been documented by us. We want this certificate laminated or framed and prominently at the reception. By being documented, you have made your enterprise known to government and it also signifies that you are a safe place to visit,” he said.
Akpabio urged tourism-related business operators to bring their flyers to advertise their content at the Information Desk in Ibom Airport.
