By Thomas Abi Jr |28 July 2015|12:02am
Tourism has been described and defined by scholars as a venture that brings or takes employment opportunity to rural or urban centers with the the aim of alleviating poverty and adding value to the economic earnings of the populace.
The Cross River State tourism sector is one that has been under utilized over the years. In Cross River State today, the State has a lot of tourism potentials that have been greatly under utilized in the past. The various tourism potentials in Cross River State span from the Obudu Ranch Resort, Agbokim Water Falls, Tinapa Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, Ranch Drill, Danare Hills and many more that are in the State.
Before 1999, Cross River State was not among the leading destination sites in Africa, but when the maverick, Mr. Donald Duke, took over the mantle of leadership, he was able to change the face of the first capital of Nigeria into a tourism destination. He brought in a lot of laudable projects, spanning from the Obudu Ranch Resort which he brought back from its lost glory, the Tinapa Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, the Agbokim water falls, Ranch Drill, which he made sure he put in place to compliment the largest street party in Africa which he introduced(Carnival Calabar).
During his administration, Calabar was the cleanest city in Nigeria. During his time a lot happened in the State. The People of the State understood that tourism could bring in a lot of revenue to the State and so much was heard about tourism in his administration.
The administration of Senator Ben Ayade must as a matter of urgency key into the tourism drive of past administrations in the State.
Cross River State is blessed and the Governor must immediately provide an enabling environment for the tourism sector by bringing international partners who will partner with the Cross River State government in transforming Cross River State into the Las Vegas of Africa, into the Miami of Nigeria, into the Singapore of Africa. The government has a lot towards transforming the State into a leading tourism destination in Africa.
In today's world, tourism has taken over the hall mark of the economy. Tourism is a major source of income and foreign exchange earner for countries whose potentials have been adequately developed.
Tourism is a larger concept than recreation. People recreate or go to tour to ease boredom, reduce tension, relax, have fun and also relax with friends and loved ones.
The Cross River State Tourism is one that needs to be rebranded to meet international standard. The Carnival Calabar needs to be repositioned to affect the lives of the People positively. Both the rich, middle class and the poor should be able to tap from the Carnival Calabar. The People of the State should be proud that the State is a tourist destination. A destination where the lives of the populace can be affected positively. The tourism activities should be repositioned into giving the State a green economy.
Tourism is one that is of great value to the State. Cross River State government should be looking at means of bringing back the lost glory the State. By clearing of refuse bin in the State. Cutting weeds in the city center. Check mating flood, and other social vices in the State.
The Cross River State Tourism Board should be looking at diversifying into:
1. Health Tourism: once the tourism board creates a niche towards going into health tourism, tourist who come into will have the intention of spending time to get well after an illness thereby combing medical exercise with holiday.
2. Sport Tourism: The tourism board in the State should galvanize with other local foot ball teams such as Leopard Foot Ball clubs, Eyimba FC, Kano Pillars and other clubs in Africa towards adding sporting value to the State. Leisure activity associated with lawn tennis, tournaments, boxing, wrestling etc.
3. Reality Tourism: Cross River State is known for our long historical background as it dates back the 18th century when our people were used as slaves by our colonial masters. The people of the State have long standing relationship with the Europeans and it is also a well known truth that Christianity reached Cross River State very early because of the Calabar river. The largest native community in West Africa (Ugep) is also in Cross River, the Leboku New yam festival and many more. Tourists can come in and learn about the culture and tradition of our People.
Cross River State Government(Cross River State Tourism Board) should create a means of tapping into the signature projects as proposed by Governor Ayade. The commission should also work out modalities in encouraging businesses that would increase our domestic airlines operations, restaurants etc. The Convention Center should be duely utilized. Visitors information centers should also be established in the State.
Lest we forget, the tourism industry has the capacity of generating so much jobs for our People. Cross River State should be thinking of going into international tourism. Carving a niche for the free flow of foreign currency which will in turn strengthen the economy of our State and create more jobs for our teeming youths.
Our young men and women can be employed as part time or full time staff of companies that intend to invest in our tourism. No company or firm wants to invest in a State or nation without looking at the viability of the State. The government of Cross River State has the responsibility of providing that platform for investors coming to the State to invest in our tourism potentials.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst
