The Cross River State Tourism Bureau is excited to announce a dynamic short-term plan aimed at reigniting the tourism sector, fostering private sector engagement, and reaffirming our commitment to making Cross River State a premier tourist destination.
The plan, set to commence with my resumption as the new Managing Director,
focuses on immediate actions to boost the state\’s tourism industry. But before I go on, I will like to seize this moment to thank His Excellency, Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, the Executive Governor of Cross River State for the privilege to lead the bureau and contribute my quota to the tourism ecosystem of the state. It is indeed the era of sweetness and our tourism plans have been strategized in line with the vision of His Excellency for the state.
I am dedicated to engaging the private sector and regaining their trust through a series of strategic initiatives designed to yield quick and tangible results.
Recognising the significance of the tourism industry for the state\’s economic growth and cultura) vibrancy, I have outlined a comprehensive plan with the following key activities:
1. Strengthening Stakeholder Relationships:
• We will initiate dialogues with key private sector stakeholders, including hoteliers,tour operators, and restaurant owners, to understand their concerns and ideas,
2. Showcasing Existing Attractions:
• A renewed focus on promoting and enhancing existing tourism attractions across the state will be a central component of the plan.
3. Encouraging Private Sector investment:
• Investment promotion forums and conterences will be organised to attract private sector investment in tourism infrastructure and services.
4. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP.):
We will actively explore opportunities for PPPE to develop and manage various
touriam projects in collaboration with the private sector.
5. Marketing Campaigns:
Short-terr marketing campaigns targeting regional and national tourists pill be launched, featuring special promotions and discounts.
6. Training and Capacity Building:
The Bureau will provide training programs focusing on enhancing service quality and sustainable tourism practices in partnership with the private sector.
7. Leveraging Events and Festivals;
We will partner Carnival Calabar and other local festivals to optimise them as
focal points for tourism growth, with private sector involvement to enhance
these events,
8. Quality Assurance and Feedback Mechanisms:
• We will immediately commence the regulation, licensing and grading of all
tourism establishments in the state. This will also ensure that our tourism facilities are visitor ready for the Festival Carnival.
A feedback system will be established to ensure continuous improvements based on tourists experiences and suggestions.
9. Tourism Information Centers:
• New or revamped tourism information centers will be strategically located to
provide comprehensive information about the states attractions, accommodations, and activities.
10. Tourism Ambassadors Program:
• Local influencers and celebrities will be appointed as tourism ambassadors to
promote Cross River State.
11. Collaboration with Tour Operators and Travel Agencies:
• Partnerships with tour operators and travel agencies will be forged to include
Cross River State in their tour packages, with incentives for agents who bring it
tourists.
The new Cross River State Tourism Bureau believes that by focusing on these short-
term initiatives and low-hanging fruits, we can not only reinvigorate our touriar
sector but also strengthen partnerships with the private sector.
This comprehensive plan underscores our commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, ultimately positioning Cross River State as a premier destination tor tourists from around the world.
We therefore call on all industry stakeholders to join this new plan towards the revitalisation of our dear industry. And I make bold to say, yes we can do it together.
Yes, with Prince Otu we can!
Yes, with the team in Cross River State cluster we can!
Yes, with partnership with the private sector we can!
Thank you all for coming and we look forward to rewarding relationships ahead
Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong
Managing Director
Cross River State Tourism Bureau
