By Igoniko Oduma / Correspondent, Yenagoa
Tourism and hospitality development in Bayelsa State have received a boost with the commissioning of the state-owned International Institute of Tourism and Hospitality by the governor of the state, Seriake Dickson.
To this end, Dickson has called on regulatory agencies and other stakeholders in the tourism sector to collaborate with the institute’s management to actualize the goals for which it was established.
Dickson, who spoke at the commissioning of the institute located along Elebele/AIT Road in Yenagoa, described the facility as the first-ever international tourism and hospitality institute set up to train both middle and senior level manpower in the sector within and outside the country.
He stated that the institute would issue certificates in line with international standards.
He said the establishment of the institute underlined government’s determination to develop the tourism industry as part of efforts to diversify the state’s economy and create job opportunities for Bayelsans to enable them contribute their quota to the economy.
He said: “We are here to make a statement about our seriousness to make tourism a major plank for the diversification of the economy of our state. Hopefully, that will also impact on the national economy.
“We are also making a statement that tourism is a serious business. I would like to use this opportunity to call on all the regulatory agencies and other bodies and those that are working with this institute, the rector and his team, to ensure that the objectives of this institute are met. This institute is meant to bring opportunities to our people here in Yenagoa.
“We want to begin the process of training people in the tourism industry. I want to particularly call on the youths of Bayelsa to take advantage of the various opportunities we have created for them.”
The Minister of Culture, Tourism and Orientation, Edem Duke, commended the state government for being in the vanguard of advocating the development of the culture and tourism sector in preparation for an economy beyond oil and gas.
Duke noted that Governor Dickson had exhibited sufficient commitment with the huge investments made in the tourism sector and urged the people to key into the vision of the present administration.
Also, the rector of the institute, Prince Efere, said the institute when operational, would be self-funding towards generating revenue for the state.
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