The President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has said the federation will use its council meeting slated for May 21 to 24 in Uyo to showcase the tourism assets of Akwa Ibom State and the efforts by the current administration in the state to develop tourism.

Speaking at a press briefing to announce the federation’s council meeting in Akwa Ibom, the date and the activities, Onung said the four-day event will include the FTAN Governing Council Meeting, gala night, a tour of the state for the guests to have ‘ a taste of Akwa Ibom-explore the destination and its cultural heritage’.

He explained that the choice of Akwa Ibom to host the council meeting was predicated on the state’s rising profile in the tourism landscape of Africa, and would offer tourism stakeholders and an opportunity to have first-hand experience of the destination.

He spoke further: “Akwa Ibom State is a rising star in Africa’s tourism landscape, boasting of a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. As a tourism player, who founded Remlords Tours years ago, and as the President of private sector tourism stakeholders in Nigeria, and as Adviser to Governor, permit me to highlight a few achievement recorded by the current administration in the tourism sector.

“Akwa Ibom State Government has made significant strides in developing its tourism sector. Some notable achievements include: Peace-the identification and promotion of peace as a veritable tourism product, because where there’s no peace, there’s no development; investment in tourism infrastructure: the state government has expressed commitment to investing in tourism, recognizing its potential to stimulate the economy, create jobs, and boost rural and riverine areas..”

Onung said the Umo Eno administration in Akwa Ibom has so far earmarked and spent huge sums of money in developing tourism in the state. He said: “The state has commenced the construction of ARISE PARK; a state-of-the-art recreational centre- for promotion of cultural heritage. The government aims to preserve and promote Akwa Ibom’s rich cultural heritage from the 31 local government areas, as evident in the annual Ibom Christmas Unplugged- a 32-day festival; tourism committee establishment: a tourism committee has been set up to assess, identify, and harness the state’s tourism potentials, making Akwa Ibom a desired tourism destination; Public-Private Partnerships; the government is exploring public-private partnerships to develop tourism programs and activities, awaken tourist attractions, and improve infrastructure.

“These developments aim to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in Akwa Ibom State, considering tourism as a developmental catalyst.”