Kwara State Hotel Owners Association has called on the state government to be more committed to development of tourist sites in the state to boost revenue profile and add more beauty to the state.
The Association gave the advice at a press conference held in Ilorin in preparation to mark the World Tourism Day which is celebrated on 27th September every year.
Chairman of the Association, Micheal Oyeyipo who spoke at the occasion said there are many tourist sites in the state that the government could develop to improve the economy of the state.
“The Patigi Regatta which has had a long history of existence can still be reinvigorated, while the Awon Festial in Shao if well developed ,can boost the image of the state in tourism.
“The Owu waterfalls are comparable to the waterfalls in Osun state, while Owa Kajola warm spring is comparable to the Ikogosi warm spring in Ekiti state in splendor, and it is our hope that sooner than later, the Kwara State Government will be able to develop these tourism sites, and by so doing add more beauty to the state,” he stated.
He ,however, commended the boost the development of Esie Museum has received in the past few years due to the efforts of the state and the Federal Government.
Oyeyipo lamented the challenges of inadequate infrastructural facilities which, he said, are affecting thesmooth running of hospitality industry in the state.
He said the problem include lack of access road to various locations of the industry, lack of public water supply system and electricity power supply.
The hoteliers’ chairman said the rates and tax regime in the state with multiplicity of taxes have almost crippled the hospitality industry.
