Over 200 Stakeholders To Brainstorm On Future Of Tourism In Akwa Ibom

About 200 stakeholders including investors, government officials, hoteliers, transport operators, academics, and media practitioners are expected to participate in a roundtable discussion which will help usher in integrated tourism ecosystem and track implementation beyond the event in Akwa ibom State.

A press statement jointly signed by Obong Daniel Udoh Chairman, Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Sir Joseph Umoh, Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter and Amb. Usen Udoh, Chairman/CEO, Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd said they are mobilizing stakeholders to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading tourism and hospitality destination through a high-level dialogue scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo.

They highlighted that the Roundtable is a bold step aimed at complimenting the enormous tourism and hospitality investment being implemented under the ARISE Agenda of the administration of Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

With the theme “Repositioning Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination” and tagline “Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom,” the event aims to shift focus from the state’s tourism potential to measurable performance, investment attraction, and economic impact.

Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, will deliver the keynote address while Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG) and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), will serve as the Chairman of the event while veteran journalist and Media Consultant, Mr. Etim Etim will moderate proceedings.

The organizers maintained that Akwa Ibom is blessed with hospitality infrastructure, cultural heritage, cuisine, and improved aviation connectivity, but the challenge remains organization, marketing, and monetization.

Key areas for discussion at the one-day confab include destination branding, tourism investment, hospitality standards, business and events tourism, community participation, youth and women entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism.

The organisers averred that the initiative is designed to produce practical outcomes and partnerships. The time has come to transition “Destination Akwa Ibom from potential to performance.” Tourism must be developed as a viable economic sector capable of attracting visitors, investment, and events, increasing visitor expenditure, creating employment, and generating sustainable opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Panelists expected at the event include tourism strategist and delivery advisor to the Governor, Sir Charles Sebastian Udoh; Professor of Marketing, University of Calabar, Prof. Bassey B. Esu; Historian, Dr. Nkereuwem David Edemekong of the University of Uyo; Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, Chairman/ CEO RemLord Tours Ltd /Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and SSA on Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor and Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, Vice President, FTAN South-South.

By Lovina Emole

Related