THE FLOOR IS OPEN FOR LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS WHO ARE WILLING TO INVEST IN THE STATE’S TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE.
GOVERNOR DIRI HAS RECOGNIZED TOURISM AS AN ECONOMIC GENERATOR AND HAS TASKED ALL CONCERNED AGENCIES UNDER THE SECTOR TO PROVIDE THE INVESTMENT AND POLITICAL SUPPORT TO REALIZE ITS HUGE POTENTIAL.
I wish to extend my profound gratitude to the chief executive officer of our dear state, HIS EXCELLENCY, SENATOR DOUYE DIRI for finding time out of his busy schedule to enable me to discuss the current state of the Tourism sector and offer sustainable solutions to one of the most globally competitive industry. Where every country around the world is trying to attract visitors from home and abroad.
The Governor has urged me to use my private sector experience and exposure to lure investors to the state. The Public and private investment can intensify the attractiveness and competitiveness of our dear state, which will also support small-medium enterprises (SME) and local development. The Governor is also aware that public investment by all levels of government also plays a vital role and has urged all government agencies under the sector to make natural and cultural resources accessible so as to attract investors.
Tourism infrastructure is a broad category and a mix of both private and public sector investment which includes: Cultural and arts amenities, accommodation (hotels, guest houses, motels, and all sorts) event venues, recreational facilities, aviation, transport networks, and interchanges, Tourism institutes and colleges, maritime and road infrastructure and much more.
The State is looking for investors to invest in the rural and urban tourism facilities. Rural facilities like the brass island beach and other beaches are available around the rural areas, the Akassa lighthouse, and the various types of festivals that spring up every year.
Urban facilities like the oxbow lake, peace park, the state-owned 3 and 5-star hotels, and many more are mentioned in the broad category above.
Let me use this medium to plead with the business community (home and abroad) to look towards Bayelsa state as the investment opportunities and returns on investment (ROI) are very attractive. I would also like to assure potential investors that the government will provide security so as to protect their investment. Coming from the business community myself I assure you that all business ethics apply.
The Governor was also briefed on the plans to license some of the tourism enterprises in the state, such as the hotels, nightclubs, Restuarant, and recreational centers, starting from January 2022 to be carried out by the Bayelsa state tourism development and hotel licensing agency (BYSTDHLA) in partnership with the office of the senior special assistant on tourism development. This process is going to be a transparent one as it is going to be an online process.
The Governor was also briefed about the following:
1. The position of the International Institute of Tourism & Hospitality, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and urged me to give all my support to the institute.
2. The emergence of the Bayelsa state chapter of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and the plans the body has put up to host the 1st edition of the Bayelsa Christmas Village this year and for subsequent years to come.
FTAN is the Umbrella body that represents all the private sector in the Tourism industry in Nigeria. The Association was established in 1997 by the then Federal Ministry of Commerce and Tourism with a view to having an easy liaison with the organized private sector in the Tourism and Culture sector in Nigeria.
Lastly, I also wish to congratulate the Governor on being conferred the PILLAR OF ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA presented by the BEAUTY OF AFRICA INTERNATIONAL PAGEANT, for his outstanding excellent support to the entertainment industry in Nigeria. Bayelsa state is ready to host the world but the tourism sector needs the involvement of the private sector to achieve that goal.
SSA,
To the Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism Development
MR TAMARAMIEBI ABIRI
