The Standard Organisations of Nigeria (SON) through its National Mirror Committee, has completed its framework designed for standardisation, regulations and grading of hotels in Nigeria, Mr Osita Aboloma has said.
Aboloma, who is the Director General of SON, made this known at a news briefing in Lagos on Tuesday.
Aboloma, represented by Head of SON, Ogun Office, Mr Enebi Onucheyo said that the committee was inaugurated by SON in April to review and adopt the International Standard Organisation (ISO/T228) structure for tourism industry.
According to him, this is in line with Africa Organisation for standardisation set up by ECOWAS in accordance with international best practices for use in the Nigerian tourism industry.
He said that the committee was headed by Mrs Chika Balogun, the Director General of National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR).
Aboloma said that the framework would form a baseline for the grading and classification of hotels in the country once approved.
“This is a laudable achievement by the committee, which would bring about development in the tourism industry.
“It will lift the sector to another level as well as build confidence in the products and services offered by the industry in Nigeria, ‘’ he said.
He commended the chairperson of the committee, Mrs Chika Balogun and other tourism association and operators for their voluntary contributions to the production of the document.
According to him, the document will be presented to SON’s Council and International Community such as, Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) for approval before it can become operational.
He explained that three other documents meant for use in the Nigeria Tourism Industry were also presented and adopted by the committee, making it four documents that were deliberated on and adopted.
Earlier, Balogun said the framework would further boost the image of the country.
She said that it would inspire confidence in investors, encourage more investments, create jobs, and wealth in the country.
“This will attract Direct Foreign Investment (FDI), local and regional investment to the country tourism industry.
“Tourists and investors will not put their money where they are not sure of but with such an important document, they will be rest assured.
“As standards for hotels, it will boost the confidence of investors in the nation’s tourism industry.
“Investing in the industry will now becomes reliable and respected as there are now standards of operations to guide operators and investors, `’ Balogun said. (NAN)