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This year World Hospitality Day, celebrated by Imo State Ministry of Tourism, Hospitality and Culture has been viewed as a unique event that revealed the striking efforts made by the state Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma to give Tourism,.Hospitality and Culture a facelift in the state.
Speaking during the event, the Chairman of 2025 World Hospitality Day in Imo State, Chief Victor Nwokocha, said; the event presented another silent but eye opening opportunity for participants, the general public, particularity visitors from outside Imo State to experience the flourishing Tourism and Hospitality Industry in Imo State and be properly informed about the dynamic efforts of Govenor Uzodimma towards the elevation of the industry.
Chief Nwokocha, who is also the Coordinator South East Creative Economic Summit, scheduled to take place in Imo State, said the Govenor made a strategic bold statement with the Hosting of World Hospitality Day and it has proven purveyors of falsehood wrong.
His words; "is a great privilege to chair this global event, from my keen observation, I rate Imo State extremely high in the hospitality industry, there is a far gap between a flourishing, secured and safe Imo State and what we are hearing outside there, a far gap exist between the negative impression and the positive reality on ground.
With the approval and support from His Excellency to host this program, he has made a bold statement that Imo is safe, is the hospitality center of Nigeria.
I have been around for some days now, no molestation, no unwarranted provocation,
through this event, Governor Uzodimma, is saying; South East is not about buying and selling, there is a lucrative, conducive and investor friendly sector where you can invest, come around relax and enjoy the rich hospitality and tourism nature of Imo people. Is a flourishing sector with the support of a visionary govenor.
I have seen a governor with commitment to create impressive and satisfactory atmosphere for the growth and development of Tourism and Hospitality Industry.
What he has done is transforming Hospitality Industry in line with what is obtainable in the sector in this computer age.
Pleased with the friendly policy of Govenor Uzodimma, the vibrancy of Hospitality and Tourism Industry in the state, regardless of the negative impressions of political detractors , he urged the governor to remain on track, stating that he has proven to be a salient achiever, a focused and productive leader with emulative leadership qualities.
Earlier in his speech; the Imo State Commissioner for Hospitality, Tourism and Culture, Hon. Barr Jerry Egemba, explained that the hospitality friendly policy of the govenor, has gone a long way to give the Hospitality, Tourism and Culture a facelift in the state and by extension elevating it to remain on top as the headquarters of Hospitality Industry in Nigeria .
The Honourable Commissioner explained that the day serves as a platform to discuss current trends, challenges, innovations, sustainability and familiarization in the industry, noting that they are pivotal forces that shape Hospitality and Tourism Industry.
In the words of the Hon.Commissioner, "Our Hospitality Friendly Govenor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, Onwa Oyoko, is embracing new definition and innovation designed to nurture tourism economy where innovation meets tradition, luxury meets sustainability and where hospitality is the bridge between people,, culture. and possibilities.
Commissioner Egemba, explained that efforts of the govenor include; investing in smart Tourism that leverages on digitalization for efficiency and exceptional services.
Promotion of Cultural Tourism that showcases the depth and beauty of Imo State cultural heritage with authentic
luxurious experience for the discerning traveller and fostering practices that prioritize green practice packaged to always yield to impressive and satisfactory services and the host community will flourish.
Highpoints of the event were series of seminar speeches to educate the participants on positive developments in the sector, cultural dance by Omenimo Cultural Group from Imo State Council for Arts and Culture, (ISCAC) Drama Presentation and cutting of Cake to mark the 2025 World Hospitality Day.
