By Wisdom Agbonta
Nations of the world like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, amongst others are said to be developed because of their systematic approach towards infrastructural development.
This has undoubtedly made them models of reference in tourism across the globe.
The role of infrastructure in the development of the tourism sector in any society cannot be overemphasized because of the direct impact it has on the sector.
For tourism to thrive there is the need for adequate and sustainable infrastructure that will serve as a support system for the hospitality business, which invariably is a major service sector of the tourism industry.
This underscores why the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration has created the enabling environment for the hospitality business to flourish.
The Governor has continually pursued policies and initiatives that allow for the progress and growth of all sectors, especially the hospitality sector of the State.
As part of the strategies for preserving the urban area and ensuring an orderly society, the Government through the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Regional Development, has developed a Benin City Master Plan.
The master plan is designed to guide urban sprawl and support regeneration in Benin City for the next 30 years.
In a workshop recently organized for operators of hotels, clubs, lounges, bars and event centres in the State on the need to maintain standards and best practice in line with the master plan, officials of the Physical Planning ministry enlightened key stakeholders in the hospitality business.
As a strategically located transit State with rich cultural heritage, Edo State has potentials for attracting visitors and tourists from across the globe. The need to tap into the numerous potentials of the tourism sector cannot be overemphasized.
With the Benin City Master Plan, issues of traffic congestion, noise pollution, inadequate parking lots and other environmental hazards that might be detrimental to the health of residents and tourists will be at the barest minimum.
This will in turn create a serene environment for operators to leverage on the numerous opportunities that abound in the State as a result of the innovative policies of the State Government.
