of foundation of the proposed five-star hotel in Calabar
Indigo Hotels to build Cross River’s first-ever five-star hospitality facility
[From ANIEKAN ANIEKAN, Calabar]
Management of Indigo Hotels Group has unveiled plans to build the first-ever five-star hotel in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
The proposed hospitality facility will be located along the Murtala Muhammed Highway Calabar, and will comprise an underground parking lot, 100 rooms and a number of other facilities.
Speaking while laying the foundation for the premier facility, the state governor Professor Ben Ayade said the hotel will boost the tourism potentials of the state and boost employment for the people.
He promised to continue creating a conducive business environment for investors and thanked the management of Indigo Hotels for choosing to invest in the state.
“There is no doubt that Indigo Hotel will not only boost tourism in our state but also create employment for our people.
“We will continue to create the conducive environment for private investments in Cross River, Cross River remains investors’ haven.
“This hotel is bringing something very special. We can’t be saying Cross River and indeed Calabar is the centre of tourism in Nigeria when indeed we don’t even have a hotel that we can identify as a Five- star hotel for guests to stay in.
“A lot of investors coming in will start looking for where to sleep. I have a special regard for my dear friend, Mr Jagtiani who thought it necessary to invest in Cross River State”, Professor Ayade said.
The governor added that the proposed hotel is “something that is iconic and defines Calabar as an iconic, beautiful and outstanding city”.
He appealed to the management of Indigo Hotels to stick to the seven months completion target for its Calabar branch.
He further urged the company to also consider setting up branches in the Northern and Central parts of the state.
Earlier, Manoj Jagtiani, said the Management of Indigo Hotels was grateful to the governor for allowing the company to expand its business to Cross River.
“This dream would not have come to reality without the special efforts of His Excellency and all involved parties here”, Jagtiani said.
He said he chose to invest in Cross River “because of its hospitality, its warm and friendly people”.
