The Cross River State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Development, Mr. Eric Anderson, has charged members of Restaurants and Bars Operators Association of Nigeria (RABAN), Cross River State Chapter, to seek new ways of repositioning their service delivery approach, in order to keep their investments afloat.
The Culture and Tourism Commissioner, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Samson Ogar, said that Food and Beverages are integral parts of the tourism sector and as such the Association should help the hospitality industry, especially in the areas of Staff orientation, training and retraining, hygiene, Customer-Staff relationship, amongst others.
“When a guest is satisfied with services rendered, visits would be repeated, referrals would be done for free, thereby leading to increased patronage and tourism growth in the State.” He added.
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman, Restaurants and Bars Operators Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, Mr. Felix Dien, said that although RABAN is taking off on a zero equity, which is very challenging, the Association is determined to make itself not just the largest sector in the tourism industry, but most interesting, juicy and most sort after in the nearest future especially having the Cross River State Ministry of Culture and Tourism Development, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, as their fulcrum .
Mr. Dien also pointed out that the Association which will serve in the aspect of data collation, is already partnering with a foreign technologically inclined company to supply tablets, build and purchase a license application that will enable the Coordinators function maximally.
Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Coordinators, the RABAN Coordinator, Obubra LGA, Mr. Christian Enyi, said that although the inauguration has empowered them to function, it does not give them room to misbehave but rather to serve and contribute to the prosperity of the Association and tourism in Cross River State.
Also present at the inauguration were: the Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Utsu John Atsu, represented by the Manager, Standards and Licensing, Mr. Emmanuel Ekpe, the Vice Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria, South South, Elder Peter Ofuka, amongst other invited guests.
Highpoints of the event include, presentation of Certificates to the Coordinators and a photo session.
By: Achiane Adams
