By Ifeyinwa Ogwo :
The Anambra Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr Don Onyenji, has urged hoteliers in the state to stay current with their tax payments as required by law, emphasizing that any hotel operating without a proper operational license is doing so illegally.
Additionally, he encouraged hotel owners to ensure their establishments meet international standards to attract patronage, especially with the construction of the Solution Fun City that will attract tourists to the state.
The Commissioner made this statement during his meeting with the executive members of the Anambra State Hotel Owners Association at the UHBET Center in Awka.
He announced that the ministry is planning to organize a workshop for the association in first week of December. “We want you to uphold standards and ensure security, by government regulations so that together we can build a livable, prosperous, and smart city,” he said.
On his part, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), Dr Greg Ezilo, emphasized the importance of hoteliers paying their taxes promptly when demand notices are issued.
He highlighted that standardizing hotels is crucial, and the government utilizes tax revenue to construct more roads, build hospitals, and undertake other significant projects.
“We, as the government, strive to maintain harmony among us. We encourage hoteliers to enhance their standards and quality, and to ensure their staff are well-trained for optimal service delivery,” he said.
The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Vicilook, Mr Dickson Cliff Okechukwu, informed the hoteliers about the easy way to enhance customer service through their online tech platform, which also serves as a means of advertisement.
He noted that approximately 18 hotels, along with some schools and hospitals, are currently utilizing the tech platform for optimal service delivery. “Our platform will showcase the interior and exterior of your hotel to the world, attracting potential customers. Once installed, the platform will be managed by you.”
In his vote of thanks, the Vice Chairman, Anambra State Hotel Association, Mr. Taiwo Ogunsola, expressed his gratitude to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for the remarkable projects happening throughout the state. He appealed to the state government to address the issue of multiple taxation, noting that the rising costs of commodities are negatively impacting their businesses.
*Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.