By Pwanagba Agabus, Jos
One of the tourism experts in Plateau state, Svetlana Alexandrovna has urged media professionals in the state to always give reports that will encourage the investors and not to scare them away.
He said negative reports, especially about Jos and environs will discourage potential investors and tourists who can add economic value to the state.
Alexandrovna who is the General Manager Crispan Suites and Events Centre, gave the charge during an interactive session with some journalists in Jos, the sate Capital.
He said some media reports could be so scary making one doubt living in Jos where such reports are being written about and lamented that such reports make one lose business investments and patronage.
According to her, “Jos, Plateau State is a very beautiful place, if the government can improve on the security situation and infrastructure, Plateau State can become the tourism hub where everyone can come and rest.
“Everyone knows that Nigeria is hot, Lagos and Abuja are very hot, people may want to come down here, relax, and see the cool place to rest.
“We hope that Plateau very soon becomes a tourism zone where people can come and enjoy and not necessarily travel overseas for such an experience”, she maintained.
“With the present situation, it is scary to watch the TV. We are in Jos but when we hear what is being reported about Jos, you will ask yourself, am I sure I am here?
“The good stories about Jos must be told. We are in business here, and we need to continue to serve our customers very well but when they hear these things, it discourages them so we ask that the good stories too should be told.
“Jos and Crispan Hotel can give Nigerians that home away from home experience. Infrastructure should be improved upon to complement the natural endowment.
“The airport is not working too well with just one airline and a lack of daily flight schedule. If two or three airlines could ply the route and flights come daily, it would improve business.”
Also speaking, the organization’s Director of Sales,Ibrahim Benjamin, maintained that, “We are happy to be a part of the tourism industry in Jos but if not for insecurity, things would have been a lot better.
“With the help of the media, things can improve as we sell the State to the wider world through your reportage, letting people know that positive things are happening here. The way news is being carried sometimes affects the business”, she decried.
“When there is a problem in a local government which is a few hours from here, the news is presented as happening in Jos and the next thing is people cancelling their reservations.
“We had a lot of reservations that were cancelled. Our guests are from outside Jos and Nigeria, when we put Jos in a bad light, businesses suffer.”
He however assured citizens to continue their patronage as his organization is working to provide top-notch security and services expected by the clients.
