LAGOS MOVES TO GRADE, CLASSIFY HOTELS

The Lagos State Government has concluded plans to commence classification and grading of hotels operating in the state.

Commissioner for Tourism and Inter- Governmental Relations, Mr Disun Holloway, disclosed this on Thursday while hosting the Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Barrister Richard Mofe Damijo who was accompanied by Government officials on a fact finding mission to Lagos. Holloway asserted that the classification will not only encourage healthy competition within the industry but will also provide detailed information about hotels to intending customers.

According to the Commissioner, “the Hotel Grading, Classification Committee and Ratification Appeal and Classification Review Committees were inaugurated by Governor Babatunde Fashola on 29th July, 2013 to sanitise the industry”.

While noting that the two committees were made up of stakeholders from the private sector and three government officials, he explained that foreign experts were also flown in to train officials on grading and classification of Hotels.
He also revealed that about three thousand hotels have been so far enumerated in the on-going exercise, stressing that this has been made possible because of the existing good working relationship with stakeholders in the industry.

On the Lagos Carnival that is fast gaining popularity, Holloway stated that the turnout during the year 2013 edition was encouraging as many people from different walks of life were in attendance.
He pointed that the costumes worn by the over 18,000 participants were locally sourced and made by workers of the Lagos State Skill Acquisition Centre, isheri, thus creating jobs and empowering the youths in the state.

Also, the Commissioner disclosed that the Apapa Amusement Park had been concessioned to NARS limited for rehabilitation while the state government is partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Centre to construct one of the longest canopy walkways in the world, adding that a picnic site and two ponds among other relaxation facilities will be provided at the center soon.

Responding, Damijo said the visit to Lagos has been rewarding and assured that the Delta State Government will continue to do its best to promote tourism in the state.