The Nigeria Travel Awards 2019 was an event that many stakeholders in the Nigerian hospitality sector had anxiously awaited and worked hard for.
The award, which was organised by Jumia Travel on March 11, 2019 in Lagos, rekindled healthy rivalry among hospitality, tourism and travel outfits across Nigeria.
However, while many deserving outfits went home with awards for their excellence in service delivery among others, Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort was not left out. It was all resounding applause when the foremost golf resort in Akwa Ibom State was announced as winner in the ‘Best Leisure Hotel 2019’ category.
It was a remarkable feat for the resort going by its recent change in management, which many thought would affect its standard and service delivery. The award was one of the testimonies of the commitment of the staff, new management and the state to sustain and improve on the hospitality tradition the resort adopted right from inception.
Of course, credit goes to Ronald Stilting, general manager of the resort, who led his team to achieve beyond expectations.
In his vote of thanks at the awards, the elated Stilting, said, “The award is a highly anticipated confirmation that Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort continues to be the best in class in Nigeria. This is even more significant for us, as early 2018, after the departure of the Le Meridien-brand everybody said that there would be a complete breakdown of the facilities and service. Our staff, after initial hesitation, remained focused on service delivery and continued to be proud of the product and services they deliver to the guests”.
The GM further noted that the Jumia Travel Award was earned by all the staff and would be surely celebrated upon arrival.
While the award gives the resort the confidence to continue on the road it is on, Stilting gives reasons for winning the awards saying, “We have achieved a lot in 2018, both visible for the guests and behind the scenes. A new chiller plant and generator were installed, as well as, new curtains, carpets, TV’s, PABX, among others. The golf course is in top-shape and feedbacks from golfers confirm that we have the best golf course in West-Africa. We were also proud to receive the Super Eagles again, who prepared for the Soccer World Championship and feel really at home in Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort. We will continue to work hard to improve the facilities and motivate our staff, as the success can only be achieved by happy and motivated staff.”
Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort is a location for business, conference and leisure. Located in the safe environment of Akwa Ibom State with excellent infrastructure and only an hour flight from Abuja or Lagos, conditions for a pleasant and successful stay are best from the start. Set on 147 hectares of well-maintained landscape amidst pristine palm-tree forest and rivers, one feels immediately relaxed and invigorated. It offers excellent accommodation in 163 rooms and suites on 5-star level, and several restaurants and bars. The Marina, located directly at the river with an art-gallery and serving Akwa Ibom specialties and best pizza in the region, is surely a highlight.
The fact that it is considered a top-destination for leisure is not a surprise: aside from the world-class 18 hole golf course, Ibom Hotel Golf Resort offers a large swimming pool (with children’s pool), large gym with pool-view and personal trainer, tennis & squash courts, hair- & beauty salon, spa, sauna, bicycle rental, pool-table, games room, football-pitch, volleyball course, guided tours, daily live-music and a night club. During the holidays, special children and family programs are offered.
With seven meeting rooms and a large banquet hall, which hosts more than 700 persons, Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort is also an excellent choice for corporate events, conferences, AGM’s and teambuilding sessions, among others. Due to the location there will be no distractions for participants, so results can be achieved.
Ibom Hotel& Golf Resort expects to organize two golf events this year, but will also be the venue for several other golf tournaments by companies and organisations. The general manager invites corporates and urges them to contact the resort for sponsorship, cooperation and teambuilding events among others.
OBINNA EMELIKE
