Akwa Ibom gov., Eno unveils ARISE agenda, seeks review of national tourism policy

[By VICTOR NZE]

Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has formally unveiled his ARISE agenda for the state, with a call to the Federal Government to review the National Policy on Tourism in order for operators to realize and mine the enormous potential in the sector.

Governor Eno’s ARISE agenda seeks to grow the Akwa Ibom tourism industry through; an enhanced infrastructure base which entails significant investments in upgrading and developing tourism infrastructure in the stat. Others are:

‘Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: By implementing eco-friendly measures, conserving natural resources, and protecting the region’s rich biodiversity, its stunning landscapes and unique ecosystems will be preserved for generations to come.

“Cultural Heritage Preservation: Akwa Ibom State boasts a wealth of cultural treasures waiting to be discovered.

“Destination Marketing and Promotion: Through strategic campaigns, collaborations with travel influencers, and participation in international tourism events, Akwa Ibom can be positioned as a must-visit destination, capturing the attention of travelers from around the globe.

“Community Involvement and Empowerment: By engaging local communities in the tourism sector, providing training and opportunities for entrepreneurship, and supporting local businesses, AKS can create a sustainable tourism ecosystem that benefits the people,” the state government said.

According to Eno, ‘with the ARISE agenda, Akwa Ibom State is poised to become a premier tourism destination, offering breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences.’

Speaking as Special Guest during the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Thursday, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, in Abuja, Governor Eno noted that a review of the country’s National Policy on Tourism would engender growth and fasttrack infrastructure development ‘needed for operators and stakeholders alike to reap bountifully from the sector.’

The AGM had as its theme; ‘Tourism Today and Tomorrow: Setting the Agenda for the New Administration.’

Eno, who was represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, posited that amendment of existing tourism laws must be accelerated for sporadic development in the sector.

“The global tourism sector is not stagnant. It is growing and evolving almost with the speed of light so can’t afford to use policies which emanated from old thinking to drive a 21st century ICT driven sector.

“We must tailor our legal framework to encourage investments in the sector, existing laws must be reviewed and new ones enacted to encourage direct foreign investments and the participation of more local investors in the sector.

“For the nation to experience development in tourism, the challenge of insecurity must be tackled because insecurity and tourism development are mutually exclusive.

“We must work very assiduously toward building a reputation of a safe and secure country in order to attract more tourists and even investors to the country,” he said.

According to Eno, building of quality infrastructure must underpin tourism development, adding that a national culture in support of tourism must be created and adhered to by all.

“The Dubai tourism sector, for instance, is largely driven by bold infrastructure.

“From the quality of our airports, to roads, seaports, railways and other infrastructure, the signature of excellence must be unmistakable.

“Nigerians are no doubt very hospitable people. But we can do better because we are competing with the rest of the world.

“Government should aggressively sensitise Nigerians on attitudinal change in the direction of tourism development so much so that we should be ranked the best in the world in hospitality.

“We must be intentional about the image we project to the world, hence the need for a conscious corporate branding of Nigeria to make it more attractive,” he said.

Eno advised government at different levels to engage professional associations such as FTAN to work out a framework, to finally tap into this sector.

He said this would bring about job creation and huge growth, as millions of Nigerian youths would be gainfully engaged.

He noted that in Akwa Ibom, tourism was a key focal point in his administration’s ‘ARISE Agenda.’

“As a hospitality practitioner myself, we are determined to invest heavily in this sector and get our people back to work. We will promote our nationally and internationally known cuisines.

“We have several historic sites, the house where the founder of Nigeria, Fredrick Lord Luggard lived in, is in Ikot Abasi. We have the Raffia works in Ikot Ekpene and other sites to see.

“Our plan is not just to get more people to travel to Akwa Ibom state and spend their money. We desire to give those who visit our state maximum value for money and satisfaction to warrant voluntary repeat visits.

“Presently, the Ibom Icon Hotel, situated amidst a rich palm forest vegetation within the Nwaniba Golf course, offers the kind of serenity that is rare to find anywhere else in West Africa.

“Ibom Specialist Hospital in Uyo is a world-class medical facility designed to redirect medical tourism from other parts of the world,” he said.

Eno said with all these already in place and a lot more, his administration would focus on the development of the vast coastline of the state.

“We will upgrade facilities in the various tourist sites to international standards, expand existing infrastructure and consolidate on the present atmosphere of peace and security in the state,” he said.

A panel session featuring industry practitioners, including; Mrs Ime Udo, president of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr Allen Effeh, vice president of the Nigerian Hospitality and Tourism Development Conference; Clara Okoro, the Founder and Cteative Lead, My Beautiful Africa;  and Kabir Ali, national secretary, Nigeria Association of Zoos and Wildlife Parks.

The session was themed on; ‘Community involvement in Tourism Development: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism.’

Issues as sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and community participation formed the thematic occupation of the session as guests fielded questions.

Sustainable tourism aims to minimize negative environmental, social, and cultural impacts while maximizing positive contributions to local communities and the environment.

However, according to the experts, for sustainable tourism practices to be successful, the products must also be economically viable.

“It is essential to develop tourism products and experiences that not only prioritize sustainability but also meet market demand and attract customers.

“Sellable tourism products should showcase sustainability as a core element, emphasizing eco-friendly practices, responsible resource management, community involvement, and respect for local cultures.”

For Kabir, leveraging on technology and the Ai is no longer an option, as tourism products and packages must be presented with an African touch to help with marketability.

Also, he noted that capacity building for communities helps sustain tourism as they become fully engaged with the products coming out of their destinations.