Cross River State Pioneers Tourism Overhaul: Strategic Licensing and Partnerships Underway
Nigeria’s Cross River State is poised to redefine its tourism landscape, setting ambitious goals to champion as the country’s top travel destination. At the helm of this transformation is Ojoi Ekpenyong, the newly inducted Managing Director of the State Tourism Bureau. In a recent media interaction in Calabar, Ekpenyong unveiled the bureau’s strategic roadmap to revamp the sector, with a spotlight on the upcoming 32-day Christmas Festival and the 2023 Carnival Calabar.
A significant part of this revamp hinges on forging synergies with local events, like Cani al Calabar. The aim? To magnify their cultural essence and shape them as pivotal attractions driving tourism growth. To achieve this vision, collaborations with the private sector are paramount, ensuring a seamless blend of tradition and innovation.
Further elaborating on their strategy, Ekpenyong underscored the emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships, curated to birth and manage diverse tourism ventures. To woo tourists from near and afar, enticing campaigns, replete with exclusive deals and discounts, are on the anvil.
And there’s more in store. The bureau’s dedicated focus remains on accentuating and refining the myriad tourism attractions dotting the state. In a novel move, Cross River State is set to rope in local icons and trendsetters, bestowing upon them the role of ‘tourism ambassadors’. Their mission? To be the voice and face, celebrating and promoting the state’s rich offerings to a global audience.
