… As HC Tourism Udoh Tasks ITPN on Professionalism
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno is committed to Tourism Development, as demonstrated in his work at the ARISE Park, the Ibom Unity Park as well as the Aviation and agritourism sectors.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh made this known Thursday, during the inauguration of the State Chapter of the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, ITPN, held at Uyai Cuisines, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
Sir Charles Udoh therefore charged the Institute to uphold the ideals of Governor Umo Eno in Tourism development by ensuring professionalism in their practise and bringing on board initiatives that will boost Tourism in the State.
He stressed that, as an embodiment of hospitality, Pastor Umo Eno has done all to boost Tourism in Akwa Ibom since his assumption of office as the State Governor, as showcased in his scorecard and urged operators of the industry to toe the footsteps of the Governor, in order to ensure that, Akwa Ibom remains on top of the Global Tourism map.
The Tourism Commissioner frowned at the situation where some practitioners carry out their activities in very unwholesome and unethical manner, demeaning the Tourism profession, particularly in the hospitality industry and therefore urged the newly inductees of the Institute to be committed to effective service delivery in their chosen career.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Grace Akpan, the Tourism Commissioner congratulated the Brendan Inyang-led State Chapter of the Institute and wished them a successful tenure.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inducted State Chapter Chairman, Mr. Brendan Inyang expressed delight at the successful inauguration of the State Chapter and opined that the Chapter will work assiduously to enhance ethical standards in the performance of operators of the hospitality and tourism sector.
Mr. Brendan Inyang acknowledged the good turn-out for the inauguration ceremony by dignitaries and operators of the sector and called for continued support by Stakeholders of the industry particularly the supervisory government establishment, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, to further the cause of the Institute.
Earlier, during the inauguration, the Vice Chairman, South/South, Institute for Tourism Professionals of Nigeria- ITPN, Professor Bassey Esu, had said, the Institute is a recognised body established by Law to regulate the practice of the hospitality and tourism sector and ensure compliance by operators of the Tourism industry.
Professor Bassey Esu said, the Institute also carries out training and certification for operators of the Tourism industry to ensure adherence to ethical standards in their conduct and service delivery.
Goodwill messages were presented at the occasion by Stakeholders of the industry including: Sir Ini Akpabio, Chairman, Akwa Ibom state Hotels & Tourism Board, Mrs. Ifiokobong Anthony Akan, MD, House of Borah and DG, BRACED Tourism & Promotion Development Initiative, BTPDI,
Otuekong Daniel Udoh, State Chairman, Nigerian Hotel Association, NHA and the representative of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, SP Cornelius Edet.
The event witnessed the presentation of certificate and official insignia to the State Chairman of the Institute, Mr. Brendan Inyang as well as the decoration of members with sash of the Institute.
Present at the occasion were: the Secretary of the Institute, Mr. Ubong Ekpe and the MD of Sam Law Hotel, Mr. Uko Jonah, among others.
