DURADO SUITES berths on the hospitality space with a bang
By Israel Aliah
The ever competitive and convivial hospitality industry has received a boost in the Taraba State environment. This took place just but a few weeks ago, when the DURADO SUITES stepped into the luxury market in a manner that chronicles a new era in the hospitality standards and services. With a cozy and unique edifice, cascading on the ambience of comfort, luxury and uncommon services delivery standard, DURADO SUITES has hit the hospitality space with a big bang.
Mr Nuvalga David Daworga, Head of Foods & Beverages Operations, captured it graphically, when he described the newly established DURADO SUITES as a global standard hospitality hub.
He was speaking with our reporter in an exclusive chat. While elaborating on the services and the comparative advantages that DURADO SUITES has over other hotels in the ever competitive hospitality industry, especially in the North East and North Central sub-region, Mr Nuvalga, said the hotel delivers both intercontinental and local dishes.
“We have liquor, beverages; we also have small chops for anybody who comes around. We do outdoor catering. We do trainings for other sister hotels or outfits as well. We have accommodations that can fit any class of society, while we operate in the ambience of comfort, joy and peace of mind. We have 24 hour power and water supply, just as we ensure that there are always services in all our facilities.” He stated.
On the aspect of security, which has become an issue of common concern in the country, Nuvalga said the Hotel is leveraging on the presence of the existing military facility that is few metres away from the hotel premises. The management, as he further explained, is also in collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the safety of their guests and staff.
Despite the strategic position, which DURADO SUITES has assumed in the region’s hospitality space, with its attendant business success potentialities, Nuvalga battles, albeit silently, with the lingering challenges in the country’s hospitality industry.
“Basically, government involvement is minimal. We provide security, which is a tedious task. As if this is not enough, hotel owners bear the yoke of multiple taxations over our heads. Aside this, there are things that government can do for us but we pay for them. For example, we dispose our refuse, we pay for water, and we pay for power supply. Yet, there is no subsidy, or any form of incentives for us, hoteliers. Yet, we must employ, pick all bills and do all that we can to stay in business. And most times we don’t get value for the services we render.” He stated.
Nuvalga used the opportunity to seek the favour of governments, at all levels, to enable Nigeria’s hospitality industry function optimally.
“Government at all levels needs to know that we need institutions that can train staff from all the hospitality aspects. We need institutions that will train staff in this industry with certifications like what we have in some professional bodies like ANAN and others. We also need government to factor hospitality in their security arrangement.
“Again, there should be certain wavers for the hospitality industry. If government is having any function in Jalingo for instance, they should liaise with hotel owners so we can harmonize ourselves and benefit. With government interface, there will a lot of benefit for business owners. They can also organize exhibitions for investors in the hospitality industry so that we know what we have and keep abreast with emerging trends in the global environment. We should have one stop shop for our services; so that when you come to town, you know where to get what you want.
In the case of DURADO SUITES, Nuvalga seeks government’s favour in some specific areas. “We need to have certain wavers for taxes since we are just starting. We have many staff that needs to be paid. We also have power supply task to contend with. Averagely, for a facility of 15 rooms, you will have to expend about N700, 000. 00 on power per week. And you need to render other services, bearing in mind what the Nigerian economy looks like. If government gives us waivers on taxation, for at least six to eight months we can stabilize and take off in a grand style.” He said.
Despite the daunting challenges that hover on the space of the Nigeria’s hospitality sector, DURADO SUITES is sure of breaking the hard economic crust to make way for its targeted vision.
“As high as the burden is on us, we are still going to remain in business because we have made a promise to provide ambience to our guests,”
Says Agbese Efegwa, Interim Manager, DURADO SUITES.
“Our focus is not the profit maximization for now. We want to be able to provide these things that we promised our guests and pay our staffs that are rendering these services.
“Like our name implies, we are in the luxury market. Our goal is to provide that luxury. If you look at our core values, we talk about luxury, ambience and service. We have to provide a very clean and neat environment so that people would come here and relax, cool their nerves, after the hassles and bustle of the day. Our services are simply top notch.” He said.
Agbese Efegwa left a message for the general public.
“My message to the general public is that they should give DURADO SUITES a trial. By our facilities and services, we can rival any hospitality market in any part of the world. Here, we provide services you hardly find anywhere. A trial will convince you.” He assured.
DURADO SUITES, which started its operations barely one month ago, is located at Federal Government Housing Estate, Mallum road, Jalingo, Taraba State capital.
