The Rivers State Government has warned hoteliers in the state to begin documenting their guests as part of broader efforts to curb insecurity, particularly during the forthcoming Yuletide season.
The state Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Israel Ngbuelo, gave the warning during a meeting with hotel operators in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He said criminals sometimes use hotels as hideouts to commit crime and stressed the importance of stopping this practice to uphold the integrity of the hotels.
“Documenting hotel guests is crucial, as one cannot identify a criminal or serial killer until they commit a crime. So, we must exercise caution.
“Accordingly, all hotels in the state are required to document their guests, even if the customer uses the facility multiple times a week, particularly during this Yuletide season.
“Hotels are instructed to record their guests and capture their ID cards each time they check in,” he explained.
The branch Chairman of the Nigeria Hotels Association in Rivers, Eugene Nwauzi, appealed to the state government to implement policies that would enhance the hospitality sector.
He called for the registrations of hotels, enforcement of standard practices, steady electricity supply, and other measures to ensure that hospitality business thrives in the state.