Private Sector Seeks Review over Cross River Tourism Policy

The Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), has advocated for the review of the Cross River State Tourism Policy, to effectively incorporate private sector participants.

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The National President of FTAN, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung made this call at the 2nd edition of the Cross River Tourism Roundtable organised by the Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria (ITPN) in Calabar, the Cross River State capital in southern Nigeria.

Onung, in a keynote address, said that besides the steps taken by the present administration to revitalise the industry, “there is need for the government to develop a deliberate policy that would enable private sector collaborate effectively with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.”
The FTAN President stressed “if a policy document is not in place, the narratives of values will not be expressed and there is no right thinking person that would continue to invest.”

While urging the government to conduct a NEEDS assessment on the tourism industry, he called for the creation of an Arts and Culture Department under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture as one of the measures to attract private investors.

In a lead paper on the theme “lighting up Cross River with the spirit of hospitality”, the wife of the governor, Reverend Eyoanwan Otu proposed the inclusion of the Efik Culture as a product in the Cross River State tourism calendar.

Mrs. Otu, who was represented by Professor Raphael Offiong said the Efik Culture and hospitality was beyond food and dance, stating “there is so much about Efik hospital from food to marriages, performances and entertainment.

“Beyond featuring the Efik culture and hospitality at Christmas and Easter, it should be a day to day thing. There should be a designated area where anyone can walk in and enjoy the Efik hospitality,” she said.

In a goodwill message, the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong commended the ITPN for holding the second edition of the roundtable and fostering collaboration within the industry.

Ekpenyong said, “this year’s theme resonates with our commitment to advance tourism in the state. We commend the unwavering efforts of the governor, whose visionary leadership has been a driving force behind the positive transformations in the tourism industry.

He reiterated the resolve to of the bureau to work hand-in-hand with the private sector under the able leadership of the governor.”

In his address, the state chairman of ITPN, Professor Bassey Esu said that the aim of the meeting was to create a platform for state and private tourism managers to reflect on hospitality as one critical success driver of great destinations.