‘How resurgence of COVID-19 impacted tourism sector’ -

…As stakeholders, operators count losses

The tourism sector in Nigeria has been threatened by the emergence of new COVID-19 strain. Meanwhile, measures put in place to contain the virus have greatly impacted the sector.

Speaking on this development, the General Manager, Anabel Apartment and Suites, Vikas Saini, noted that hotel occupancy has dropped drastically, apparently leading to increased job loss in the travel and tourism sector.

Saini who is also Anabel Apartment and Suites, Chief Operating Officer stated, “Hospitality and tourism sector have also had their share of the challenges from covid-19 lockdown policy of Nigerian’s government, stressing that with government announcement of “stay at-home policy” and “social distancing” movement restriction, to such he observed most restaurant businesses were greatly affected.

Saini in his word unforeseen occurrence of such possible led to rapid shutdowns in cities and states to control covid-19 spread through many restaurants and hotels across the country into sudden shock.

Saini, who described Anabel Apartment and Suites as a home away from home in a chat with The Daily Time Correspondent pointed out those resorts and hotels that had booked by excited vacationers and corporate conference goers before the present covid-19 pandemic were cancelled.

According to him, before the pandemic, outbreak hospitality the sector was a major revenue earner, with the propensity of creating thousands of jobs annually. For instance, he said that “Nigeria has a long coastal line, forest reserves and cultural heritage sites which can improve tourism in Nigeria.”

To this end, he noted, “The impact of covid-19 is making it extremely difficult for many of the hospitality industry’s establishments to continue paying staff with a sharp drop in sales and income, resulting in job losses. Many hotels are already closing down because of low patronage and inability to meet up with payment of worker’s salary, electricity bills and other operating expenses.”

In buttressing the claims, he said that major challenges of Nigerian hospitality Industry, which include poor energy supply and cynical global perspicacity, poor standardization and flawed hotel classification.

Others are inconsistent regulatory environment and skilled labour shortages caused by a few entrepreneurs with little knowledge of the workings of the industry who the process and procedures for their condition; as well as different taxes being paid to various forms of governments.

The hotel management graduate with over 19 years of working experience in the hospitality sector, pointed out, “Nigerian government should do more to support the hospitality industry in Nigeria.

However, “Nigeria’s tourism sector with a great potential, has not been explored maximally, he revealed.”

Speaking, he said, “Anabel Apartments and Suites with the latest bespoke boutique apartment hotel in Abuja provides one of the highest quality accommodation and impeccable hospitability services to an expanding array of noble and appreciative customers.

With great emphasis on building loyalty through high levels of quality service, the hotel aimed to offer clients; modern stylish and affordable apartments, suites and independent rooms for both short and long term stay.

He maintained, “We have a well equipped modern multipurpose hall, with good acrostic characteristics, ideal for conferences with seating capacity 200 guests’ minimum, banquets and meetings.

Do not be amazed at this time, Anabel Apartments and Suites invites guests to experience African menu of culinary delights, though the hotel in-house bar is a great place to relax hitherto, this allows guests to choose from colourful assorted drinks stacked in finely cut-glass bottles.

The new outdoor pool bar is another exciting offer. Standard features and facilities in Anabel include super king bed size, free high-speed wifi connection, secure digital safe, laundry service, SPA, GYM, swimming pool and many more.

Additionally, the hotel is strategist located at a serene niche in the highbrow Asokoro Residential District, Abuja Capital City.”