Banks ready to support investments in hospitality industry - Skye Bank MD

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, has assured investors that banks in the country are ready to support them if they desire to invest in the hospitality sector.

Durosinmi-Etti gave the assurance at the opening of Intercontinental Hotels, Lagos, recently.

According to a statement on Thursday, the Skye Bank boss noted that the environment was ripe for investment in the hospitality industry and the banks were on hand to encourage both local and foreign investors in the sector.

He said, 'Our doors are always open to investors with projects like this that will boost the economy and provide employment for the teeming population of Nigeria.

'It is a new era in bank and customer relations and we give a lot of incentives and encouragement to people with viable projects.'

The Chairman, Milan Group, Ramesh Valechha, who was also at the opening, said the hotel was a commitment and right investment made in the economy of Lagos State in particular and Nigerian hospitality industry as a whole.

He said, 'Intercontinental Lagos was possible through a partnership funding by Skye Bank and Wema Bank. Both banks saw the need to assist in getting a five-star property for the growing high-profile guests that deserve nothing but quality accommodation in Nigeria's commercial capital.'

Noting that with 650 Nigerians and 24 expatriates as employees, the hotel was poised to offer world-class hospitality services and professional training that would ensure new career paths in the hospitality industry.

The Regional General Manager, Africa, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Karl Hala, said he was glad that the hotel, the first of the group's property in West Africa, whose partnership agreement started in 2000, was now ready for everyone to enjoy.