The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has commended the Enugu State government for its dedication to developing the tourism industry in the state with a substantial investment exceeding ₦13.7 billion. Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, the Second Deputy National President of ATPN, said the investment has the potential for increased revenue and overall development in the state.

Ugwu said this during a recent meeting with the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism the state.

Based on the state’s plan, the funding is part of a broader strategy to establish Enugu as a centre for international conferences and improve infrastructure. The state has successfully completed the long-anticipated Enugu International Conference Centre, built a new hotel in proximity, and renovated a nearby hospital. Additionally, there are plans to upgrade public transportation with new bus stations and roads, while also preparing for the launch of ‘Enugu Air,’ an ambitious project aimed at making the state a significant aviation hub in the South East.

The state’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, detailed a phased strategy for tourism development, which encompasses initiatives such as the Awhum Waterfall, Nsude Pyramid (boasting the longest canopy walkway in Nigeria), and Ngwo Pine Forest (home to Nigeria’s first zipline). These initiatives, along with others like the Cross of Hope at Okpatu, the Akwuke/Atakkwu Waterpark, and the Ovu Lake Golf and Resort, aim to provide enriching experiences for visitors while emphasizing sustainability through experience centers, food courts, and renewable energy solutions. With new tour buses on the way, Enugu is setting itself up as a premier destination for both local and international tourists.