Bayelsa Tourism Commissioner Visits IITH, Tasks Management On Capacity Building Trainings, Commends Gov. Diri’s Commitment To Tourism Development

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. John Alla has charged management of the state-owned International Institute for Hospitality & Tourism (IITH) to intensify its industry specific enhancement trainings as part of efforts to develop a robust skilled and knowledgeable workforce that would boost the state’s tourism offerings with a view to making Bayelsa become a more competitive and appealing destination to tourists and residents alike.

Hon. Alla, who gave the charge while on a maiden familiarisation visit to IITH Yenagoa on recently, maintained that a well-trained tourism workforce would have numerous positive effects on Bayelsa as an emerging tourism destination.

He pointed out that such a well articulated Sector’s specific job enhancement trainings will go a long way in enhancing visitor experience, increased visitor numbers that would eventually lead to extended visitor stays, increased tourists’ spendings, competitiveness, economic growth, job creation, better community engagement, sustainability, improved crisis management, partnerships and collaborations as well as increased visitor safety and
continuous improvement.

The new Commissioner added that developing new innovative experiences to attract visitors would not only improve quality service delivery at the destination, but would create an exceptional customer service culture that could even exceed visitor expectations about Bayelsa state.

According to the Commissioner, professional trainings have a way of enhancing a destination’s reputation management to trigger effective management of tourism resources and infrastructure, with view to improving visitor experience, while creating memorable and authentic experiences, noting that increased tourism revenue would also contribute to economic growth and development.

“A well-trained tourism workforce will enable us to showcase our unique traditions and entire cultural heritage to the world, fostering sustainability, promoting environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive tourism practices, as well as build capacity, develop skilled and knowledge based workforce, encourage innovation to stakeholders to stay updated on global industry trends and best practices,” the Commissioner reiterated.

Hon. Alla, who was also full of praises for Senator Douye Diri, noted that the governor’s commitment towards developing a vibrant tourism sector in the state was evident in his huge investments in tourism infrastructure with particular reference to several ongoing senatorial link road projects, which according to him, would ultimately connect several rural communities to Yenagoa, the state capital as part of the prosperity administration’s efforts towards promoting sustainable domestic tourism.

Earlier, Rector of the International Institute of Tourism & Hospitality (IITH), Prof. Apuega Arikawei had briefed the visiting Commissioner of progess so far made under his tenure as the third Rector, informing that the institute got approval and full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to run seven National Diploma programmes, namely: Tourism Management Technology, Hospitality Management Technology, Fashion Design & Clothing Technology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Accountancy and Computer Science.

Prof. Arikawei explained further that the Institute’s programmes have also received Quality Assurance approval and certification by NBTE, Joint Admissions Matriculation Board(JAMB) and that of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), hinting that plans are already at an advance stage for a convocation of the pioneer National Diploma (ND) graduands.

He enumerated other achievements to include, the acquisition of a two-storey building by the state government which presently serves as the second campus of the institute, supply of 24hrs solar power by Rural Electrification Agency (REA), supply of a 150KVA generating set, a 4 deck industrial oven, an industrial mixer and bread cutter by the Bayelsa State Education Development Trust Fund (EDTF) as part of its interventions, upgrade of Centre for Vocational & Entrepreneurial Studies and establishment of IITH Bakery & Beverage Production Unit.

Commissioner for Tourism Development, Bayelsa State, Hon. John Alla (left) exchanging views with the Rector, Prof. Apuega Arikawei during the visit to the institute in Yenogoa recently

He said, through a collaborative approach, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) provided broadband with internet connectivity, as the institute prepares to receive the Resource Visitation team of NBTE for the eventual commencement of the Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes following the graduation of pioneer batch of the ND students.

Prof. Arikawei also informed that the institute has also published the International Journal of Tourism & Technology, intended to disseminate research findings to the academic community

The Rector however, expressed concern over the delayed assent to a bill that has been passed by the State House of Assembly, meant to transform the Institute’s name to: “International Polytechnic of Tourism & Technology” as parts of concerted efforts to reposition the institute in compliance with global best practices in the tourism education sector, saying that the early assent to the bill by the governor will enable the institution to gain global recognition as well as access more intervention fundings and foster international collaborations and partnerships.

He also talked about the need for efficient manpower, adequate funding, and a coaster bus to convey staff and students during excursions and visits to tourism sites.

The Hon. Commissioner was accompanied by the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Douye Diri on Tourism and Chairman, BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo and some top officials of the Ministry of Tourism Development, Senior Special Assistant (SSA), the governor on New Media, Hon. Dave Asei, the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Pageboye Festus-Lukoh and other ministry officials.