Eno Repositioning Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s Tourism Destination- Udoh

Delivery Advisor to Governor Umo Eno on Hospitality Infrastructure, Sir Charles Udoh, said the governor is repositioning the state as one of Nigeria’s premier tourism destinations,

This came even with the emergence of two floating restaurants at the ARISE Park Resort billed for commissioning in September.

Fielding questions from Newsmen, Udoh said the waterfront restaurants within the multi-billion-naira ARISE Park, is among several signature attractions expected to distinguish the resort from conventional recreational facilities across the country.

He said the resort represents the transformation of a former erosion site into a world-class tourism and leisure destination.

According to him, beyond the floating restaurants, the park will feature a children’s playground, an indoor sports centre, a mini golf course, luxury apartments, conference facilities, boating activities, restaurants, lounges and other relaxation spots designed to attract visitors from within and outside Nigeria.

He explained that the project was deliberately conceived to cater for families, corporate organisations, tourists and leisure seekers, making it a destination with year-round appeal.

“There’s something for everyone. Families have the children’s playground, sports enthusiasts have indoor recreational facilities, golfers can enjoy both the mini golf course and a state-of-the-art golf simulation room, conference organisers have dedicated meeting facilities, while visitors seeking accommodation can stay in the apartments,” Udoh said.

Udoh described ARISE Park as one of Governor Umo Eno’s flagship tourism investments aimed at diversifying the state’s economy, creating jobs and boosting internally generated revenue through tourism.

He disclosed that conservative projections indicate that the resort will directly employ not fewer than 1,000 people when fully operational, with the number expected to increase as additional facilities come on stream.

According to him, the park is part of a broader tourism transformation programme that also includes the comprehensive renovation of Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort, the completion of the Ibom International Hotel and Convention Centre, and the redevelopment of the Oron Beach and ferry corridor.

He noted that all the tourism assets would be professionally managed under the state’s partnership with Aleph Hospitality to ensure international service standards and operational efficiency.

Udoh said the government’s vision is to build an integrated tourism ecosystem where hospitality, recreation, conferences and transportation complement one another to attract both domestic and international visitors.

He maintained that with sustained investment in modern tourism infrastructure, Akwa Ibom is steadily positioning itself as one of Africa’s emerging destinations for leisure, business and conference tourism.

By Lovina Emole

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