Minister for Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John and her team had paid a visit to Obudu Mountain Resort to inspect ongoing renovation of the world class resort being undertaken by the new concessionaires for the resort.

The Minister, who was accompanied by highly team that included the Cross State Commissioners for Tourism and officials of OMR among others, was at the resort to assess the current state of the resort in alignment with the national eco/community tourism roadmap of the current administration that is being driven by the Federal Ministry of Tourism.

This is to ensure that the Nigerian tourism sector delivers economic benefits, positive social change and profound goodwill to the country.

It will be recalled that last year, CIBA Construction Company Limited, was picked as the most preferred concessionaires to re-design, redevelop and upscale the resort. CIBA Hospitality Limited is undertaken the upgrade of the resort in partnership Marriott Hotels International, which it has already entered into a business relationship with to redevelop and manage the facility.

Speaking on this development, Dami Adepoju of Marriott noted, ‘‘the progressive partnership with CIBA Hospitality Limited on the remodeling and management of the Obudu Mountain Resort, will provide an alignment with leisure and business travellers’ behaviours”.

The Group Managing Director of CIBA Construction Company Limited, Mr Josiah Samuel commended the Minister for Tourism for her great strides since assuming office. He assured the Minister and the Cross River State government of the company’s commitment to delivery on the project on time and repositioning the resort to stand out as one of the recognizable touch-points in tourism industry in Africa. 

With the ongoing construction of the Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport and the upgrade of the resort at the same time, a growth pole that will open socio-economic activities of Obudu axis is in the works.

When completed, it will serve as an accessibility point for international travellers and tourists who desire to experience nature and the serene environment and scenic views that Obudu Mountain Resort offers, will have a look to look forward.

Obudu International Passenger and Cargo Airport will provide critical connectivity that will be a significant engine of economic development and catalyst for growth as well as beneficial to the communities in northern Cross River while industries in Ebonyi, Benue and Taraba states that are reliant on quick transportation, such as logistics, manufacturing, and e-commerce will also come into the mix.