Akwa Ibom State Government is harnessing the vast resources of its Blue economy for tourism development.
Already the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, is embarking on the construction of a large vessel 90-seater luxury cruise boat and a jetty for the Oron beach, to enhance water-way transportation for tourists coming into Akwa Ibom by sea from neighbouring states.
The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Sir Charles Udoh, made these known, Monday, in Uyo, while appearing on a Premium 89.9fm Radio programme – The Congress.
Sir Charles Udoh who was fielding questions on ‘Tourism Development in the State’ and ‘Christmas Unplugged 2.0’, emphasized that, with the huge potentials embedded in Tourism such as: revenue generation, job and wealth creation as well as catalyst for entrepreneurial development, Governor Umo Eno has tactically placed Tourism on the front burner of the ARISE Agenda.
To this end, the government is galvanising the rich resources of our Blue Economy for Tourism development, by the construction of waterfronts along the outstretched 129km beach coastline in the State.
So far, Landmark Africa, the largest beach development firm in West Africa is being engaged to develop the Ibeno beach waterfront, while the government is also planning the development of a jetty at the Oron beach.
All these efforts, according to the Tourism Commissioner, are geared towards the opening-up of opportunities for tourism development in the State.
He noted that, with luxurious fully air-conditioned cruise boats plying our water-ways for transportation by sea, Ibomair flying steadily on the skies for travellers by air and our economically viable network of roads constructed to ease transportation by land, then Akwa Ibom State is strategically positioned for accessibility by tourists and investors.
Additionally, the Tourism Commissioner intimated that, his Ministry has within the past six weeks run a multi-facetted tourism campaign geared at: weting the appetite of Tourists on the numerous Tourists sites located in the State, creating awareness on the Tourism sector and pushing Tourism to the front burner of the State economy, along with its major components of: Culture, Arts and Crafts.
Speaking on the Christmas Unplugged season 2.0, Sir Charles Udoh, assured that, this year’s fiesta will be another December to Remember, with 32 days of 24 hours power-supply and a mix grill of contemporary entertainment and cultural displays, from 1st December 2024 to 1st January, 2025.
He emphasized that, the Guinness World Record holding Christmas Carol, exhibitions and the rich cuisines of Akwa Ibom will all be put together within the confines of the Christmas Park to give spectators the much anticipated Christmas to remember experience.
Sir Udoh therefore urged the public to be alert to the registration processes of the Christmas Unplugged 2.0 while visitors and guests should book their flight early enough to enable them enjoy Christmas in Akwa Ibom, the preferred tourist destination.
