Akwa Ibom appoints Icon Hotels & Resort as management company for Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort

The Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the appointment of Icon Hotels and Resorts Nigeria, the Nigerian subsidiary of Icon Hotel Group Africa, as managers of its Uyo-based 5-star Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort. The appointment of the African leading hospitality management company, according to the state government, is in a bid to further grow tourism and hospitality potentials of the state, as economic activities resume nationwide.

Performing the handover ceremony on behalf of the state government, Akparawa Ephraim Inyang-eyen, chief of staff to the Governor, charged Icon Hotels & Resorts management team to bring their globally rated African hospitality expertise to bear in managing the hotel.

While congratulating Icon Hotels & Resorts on the appointment, the governor stressed the need to onboard innovative ideas in attracting patronage for the hotel and the overall tourism development of the state. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the new managers, as both parties collectively ensure that Ibom Hotel becomes one of the leading hotel brands in Africa.

In his remarks Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom State governor, said, “We expect that in the next 12 months the hotel should manifest a new culture and environment to attract patronage”. He urged the new management not to victimize workers and to use those already working, especially those who are good at their jobs.

In response, Fred Maina, Group CEO, Icon Hotel Group Africa, thanked the government for trusting their competence and expertise in turning around the fortunes of the hotel for the better. According to Maina, the next 12 months will see the hotel recording tuned up customer experiences in services, refreshed ambience and trained personnel. It will also see the hotel significantly contributing to the state’s revenue with increased inflow of tourists and businesses.