In a bold move to revive and reposition Cross River State as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria and West Africa, Governor Bassey Otu has announced a massive ₦18 billion investment into the state’s tourism sector.
According to a statement from Governor’s office, this visionary investment forms part of Governor Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda, with a clear target to reposition the state’s most iconic tourism assets, infrastructure, superstructure, and products.
Key projects under this initiative include the infrastructural upgrade of the world-famous Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.
READ: Africa: Governor Otu to upgrade Cross River tourism sites to meet International standards
Additionally, the comprehensive remodeling and rehabilitation of the Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa are earmarked for attention, set to return as hubs of leisure, hospitality, and creative enterprise. The construction of a new pier harbor will further open up waterfront tourism experiences and activities, while the launch of “Experience Calabar” tours and the creation of a dedicated Heritage Market for arts and crafts will showcase the state’s rich cultural legacy and heritage.
A key component of this initiative is the government’s strategic investment in Axari Towers, which will guarantee the hosting of major events and increase bed capacity in the state as it prepares for the 20th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival & Carnival Calabar this December 2025.
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This move is expected to stimulate the local economy, create jobs, attract global tourists, and deepen private sector involvement in the tourism and hospitality value chain. Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Cross River State into a globally competitive tourism destination, stating, “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our future.”
Another strategic move is the enhancement of access to and from Cross River State with the acquisition of two CRJ 1000 airplanes to complement the existing eet of two Boeing 737 for the state-owned airline, Cally Air, managed in partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet. Plans are also underway to upgrade and rehabilitate the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), a world-class conference and events facility, to position Cross River State as a premier conference and events destination with on going renovation of the Calabar Cultural Centre. With these bold steps, Cross River State is not only preserving its tourism heritage but reimagining it for global relevance and economic sustainability.
This monumental injection addresses key areas of tourism development, including access, accommodation, activities, human capacity development, and community-based tourism.
