‘Imo Hotel and Hospitality sector Imo loses N1bn monthly on security’

FORTUNE OKORO, a seasoned hotel administrator is the deputy general manager of Oxygen Holiday Hotels in Owerri, Imo state. In this interview, he tells DIKACHI FRANKLIN of Business A.M, that the hotel and hospitality industry loses over N1 billion monthly since the insecurity started in April, 2021. He also says that at Oxygen Holiday Hotels is not just a hotel but also a holiday plus other things. He wants the state government to introduce interest free sovereign funds and PPP for investors in the hotel and hospitality sector.

Sir, as a seasoned hotel administrator, can you tell us how much the hotel and hospitality sector has lost due to security challenges in the state? Well, I have not done a research on this, but I can only speak from the perspective of an informed practitioner. Sincerely, the impact is enormous and varies from one hotel class to the other. In the last two months, there has been geometric reduction in the number of guests that visit the state for both business and leisure. This has directly impacted on the hotel occupancies. For hotels within the budget category, occupancy has fallen to about 35-45% while the luxury facilities are the worst hit performing at below 30% occupancy. Simply put, the hospitality industry in Imo state is losing over one billion naira monthly and if this persists, job losses will follow suite just like we experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown.

What is outstanding about Oxygen Holiday Hotels Owerri?

Oxygen Holiday Hotels is a bespoke hotel outfit aesthetically located in the heart of Owerri, Imo state. We focus on hospitality excellence and uncommon guest services and have over the years maintained elegance and exclusivity in our service mix. Aside the exceptionally furnished guests rooms like the executive , deluxe , diplomatic suites and the presidential mansion categories that we are known with, Oxygen Holiday Hotels is taking the Eastern hospitality market to the next level as our newly completed Studio rooms , two-bedrooms governors lodge apartments, a never seen state-of -the-art underground Club and Casino , Spa and beauty centre , and more banqueting facilities storm the market.

How soon will the guests start enjoying this new services?

Not far from now. Test run has already started and feedbacks are being collated from the guests. You will surely be invited to cover the commissioning ceremony coming up next month.

Beyond what you have mentioned that the hotel is known for, are there other things that set the hotel apart from other hotels here in Owerri?

Yes, a lot to talk about. Oxygen is not just a hotel; we are a holiday hotel that Fortune Okoro, deputy general manager, Oxygen Holiday Hotels, Owerri guarantees you a serene escape. From the entrance, you can see the calmness that pervades our ambience, the lush green environment that re-unites you with nature, the great hotel design that factored safety, security and comfort in its execution and our well-trained associates. These are some features that stand us out. At Oxygen, we do not just sell bed and breakfast like others; we market safety, pleasure, comfort and mouth-watering cuisines.

Hotel and hospitality sector is a major revenue earner of the govt , are there things you think it needs to make it thrive more?

Obviously, the operating environment just like you can see in every part of the country is harsh and does not guarantee optimal business performance. For instance, infrastructures like roads and power are major challenges. Even though the Imo state govt has taken some bold steps in this direction, a lot still needs to be done to decongest and reduce traffic jam in and around Owerri metropolis by completing all the roundabout projects currently going on and at the same time asphalting all the link roads within the city. In the area of power, government should collaborate with EEDC to see how power supply to the state can attain 15 to 18 hours. Energy cost, I can tell you erodes over 30% of hotel profits in Imo state. In other to encourage investors, government can introduce interest free sovereign funds to support hospitality projects, and two years tax-free holiday for new business entrants will not be a bad policy.

What is your assessment of the tourist’s attractions in the state?

Imo state is blessed with rich tourism potentials some of which are the Oguta Wonder Lake, Nekede Zoological garden and forestry reserve, the rolling hills at Okigwe, Monkey colonies at Lagwa in Aboh Mbaise, Abadaba Lake in Obowo and the Blue Lake at Oguta, just to mention a few. But who can be attracted to these places with the level of insecurity in Imo state. Even without insecurity, access roads to these places are nightmares and these tourism potentials have remained untapped by successive administrations. These neglected sites are what countries like Maldives and Macao have turned to gold mines.

How can the security situation be improved?

A lot needs to be done but the government can start with ensuring that the safety of life, investments and property are guaranteed. There are also needs to provide basic infrastructures for new and existing tourist’s destinations. Then governments at all levels should encourage Public Private Partnership in the Tourism sector to boost investors’ confidence.