Some hotel owners in Awka, Anambra state, are bemoaning the harsh effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry, appealing that government provides them with respite.

 

Correspondent, Chukwuemeka Modilim felt the pulse of the situation on them and reports that worried by the devastating effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry in Awka, a hotel owner, Mr. Chuma Nwankwo applauded Governor Willie Obiano for his total commitment towards arresting the virus, even though they still record low patronage.

 

He regretted that the second wave of COVID-19 affected the industry adversely, thereby reducing their income.

 

On her part, another hotelier, Dr. Ego Akabuogu told the ABS that they abide by all the COVID-19 protocols in their respective hotels as directed by government and canvassed for palliatives to enable them pay their staff and sustain all the COVID-19 protocols and continue to contribute to the development of the state.

 

Similarly, another hotelier, Mrs Jessy Nwokoye noted that the hard times facing the industry will reduce if government could reduce electricity tariff, review their taxes with a view to reducing it as well as provide them with COVID-19 preventive materials.