Hotel owner in Kwara state has urged the state government to start and lead a campaign to educate the populace about the need to get right balance between work and leisure.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune in Ilorin, the chairman and the Executive Director of Wingate Exotic Hotel, Ilorin, Mr. Yemi Kolawole, said that productivity increases exponentially when the work force takes a break and have proper downtime from work before returning to it.

“This will not only drive sales to the hospitality industry, but it will also increase productivity which will in turn be a boost to the state economy and public health. The state government should start and lead a campaign to this effect”, he said.

The proprietor of the Wingate Exotic Hotel, who thanked the state government for providing an atmosphere for safe operation of businesses in the state, said that, “this is not taken for granted”.

Mr. Kolawole also urged the state government to come to the aid of hotel owners in the area of exorbitant bills, taxes, levies and requirements imposed on hotel businesses, saying that the development could cripple existing businesses.

“The current demands from the government in these areas are too much, coming from different bodies, both the state and the federal governments. If these go unchecked, it could cripple existing businesses and discourage intending business owners. For example, the levies could be introduced to businesses in staggered manner, coming to full effect after a year of operation but not at the point of incorporation”, he said.

Talking on security and crime in hospitality industry in Kwara state, Mr. Kolawole said that hotel owners are already working together with security and government agencies in reducing crime.

“For example, we meet regularly with the NDLEA, EFCC, DSS and police, furnishing them with information that may help their respective courses. Also, at Wingate Exotic we have policies that discourage any sort of criminality. I have no doubt that working with the government agencies in these ways will continue to reduce crime as it does today.

“Hotel owners in Kwara state come together under an association of businesses in this sector, and under this, collectively we have been collaborating well with security agencies by diligently following all given guidelines in curbing internet fraud. For example, reporting cash payment of over N500,000 for accommodation or other services rendered. Collecting and managing customers' data for accountability and safety of individuals who lodge with us”.