By Ikemefuna Asika
The Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji has called on Hotel Owners Association in Anambra State to obtain their operational licence from his ministry to avoid sanctions.
He made the call while interacting with members of Anambra State Hotel Owners Association in his office in Awka.
While informing them of Anambra State hotel grading pattern which include National, Urban, Semi urban and Rural, Onyenji stated that the annual registration fee for the various gradings ranges from fifty thousand Naira to one hundred and fifty thousand Naira depending on the category of the hotel.
He also informed them that the procedures are contained in the Anambra State Hospitality Law saying that same law is guiding the activities of hotels in Anambra State.
While acknowledging the economic challenges being experienced in the country, he however told them that they have mandate and time line to deliver on their responsibility and urged them to support the state Government to serve them better.
The Commissioner reminded them that he is there to protect their interest just as he had done in the past as a labour leader.
He reminded them of the kidnapping law in the state which allows for the demolition of any building used for kidnapping activities and charged them to monitor their facilities to ensure they do not fall victim of the said law.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Mr Jerome Ilokwu urged them to adhere to the hospitality law by registering and obtaining their operational licence to enable them run their businesses in the state with out disturbance.
He said that the law was enacted in 2016 and was amended in 2024.
Speaking on behalf of the hotel Owners, Hon. Ndubisi Nwobu said they came to dialoge with the state Government for the purpose of their obligations to the state Government.
He lamented the low patronage they experience in addition to power issues but promised to contribute their quarter to help in developing the state.
