Africa Swiss International Hotels and Resorts, one of the leading international brands in the hospitality industry in Africa, has announced plans to inject N6 billion into the remodeling and realisation of Enyimba International Hotels, a proposed five star hotel in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State.
Wasiu Babalola, managing director, Africa Swiss International Hotels and Resorts, who was in Aba, Monday at the flag-off of the take-off of the remodeling of the facility, also revealed that the identity of the hotel, which was formally known as Enyimba International Hotels, would change to Swiss International Enyimba, Aba, following the acquisition of majority shares of the hotel, by Swiss International.
He explained that the facility, which would be developed into a five star hotel, when completed, would be part of an international chain that would turn Aba, to a conference centre, as the facility would boast of a conference centre that would sit over a 1000 people.
Other facilities expected in the Hotel premises include, a swimming pool, squash and lawn tennis courts, a football pitch, green zone area and a village, to be known as Enyimba village.
Babalola said that Swiss International choice of Aba is strategic, considering the location of the city, which is close to Owerri and PortHarcourt airports, noting that Aba, would serve as a gateway from the oil city of PortHarcourt for those, who would want a different atmosphere.
“And secondly most international brands believe that if you are not in Lagos, Abuja or PortHarcourt, which are the primary markets that you cannot make it. But we have proved them wrong in Asaba. We are the first international brand in Asaba. Today Asaba, has three international brands coming into that capital city.
“We are like the pathfinder, because we understand the market and we know every city in Nigeria. Apart from being a capital city, commercial cities are also viable as any part of Nigeria.
He continued, “We are trying to change the face of Aba. This place should not be known only for business; people can also come to Aba to relax.
Babalola also revealed that Swiss International has been in Africa and Nigeria since 2012, and has presence in Freetown, Ghana and Nigeria. In Nigeria he said that Swiss International branded hotels could be found in PortHarcourt, Asaba, Lagos, noting that they are also currently working in Makurdi, Benue State capital and Benin, Edo State.
GODFREY OFURUM
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