The Cross River State government has reiterated its commitment to retain its position as the leading tourism destination in Nigeria.
The state, which has also regained its position as one of the cleanest states in the country, gave the assurance at the just-concluded Akwaaba African Travel Market, the largest travel and tourism fair in West Africa, which held at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, from September 14-16, 2025.
Ojoi Ekpenyong, managing director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau, who gave the assurance at the bureau’s colourful stand at the fair, noted that the state under the leadership of Prince Bassey Otu, is fully back as a preferred tourism destination in Nigeria because of efforts put in place so far by the governor and his team.
“The efforts are yielding great results already and part of it is why we participated at this year’s Akwaaba African Travel Market as an exhibitor.
“I am happy that Calabar has come back to be one of the cleanest states in Nigeria,” Ekpenyong said.
Speaking further, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau managing director enthused that about months ago, Governor Otu announced a N18 billion sustainable tourism investment fund, which is already being deployed to restore existing tourism infrastructure and create new ones across the state, especially in the hospitality sector.
According to Ekpenyong, the funds will be channeled into revamping iconic sites such as the Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, among others.
It will see the remodeling of the Amber Tinapa Hotel and building of Axari Towers, a new hotel project aimed at increasing the accommodation capacity of Calabar, ahead of the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar in December 2025.
The upgrade and investments in hotel accommodation, according to Ekpeyong, is intentional to address the growing demand for quality accommodation in view of the influx of visitors in the state during the festive season, particularly in Calabar for the carnival, regarded as the largest street party in Africa.
Unveiling other products on offer beyond quality hotel accommodation, Ekpeyong disclosed that “The Marina Waterfront is there. Our food and cuisines are there. Of course, we have the best food in Nigeria”.
As well, construction is ongoing for a new pier harbour to boost waterfront tourism.
All the above, according to the managing director, are intentional to reposition Cross River State as a premier tourist destination in Nigeria and West Africa, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions and very hospitable people.
“His Excellency the governor of Cross River State has restored everything that the state has lost in the past. As we speak to you now, additional two aircrafts have been added to the two that are there. So, coming to Cross River is no longer an issue,” he noted.
Meanwhile, he also expressed his excitement over the successful outing of Akwaaba African Travel Market this year, considering the over 10 countries, over five airlines, hotel chains, tourism destination and management companies and government agencies that graced the fair.
Ekpenyong equally commended Ikechi Uko, CEO, Akwaaba African Travel Market, and the organiser of the fair and his team for giving the bureau and other exhibitors the opportunity to market their potential to the world, networking, negotiating and sealing business deals, among other benefits.
He also used the fair platform to market the tourism potential of the state, especially Carnival Calabar, while inviting global tourists to visit this December, now that Cally Air, the state-owned airline, has improved its fleet.
