November 25, (THEWILL) – The newly elected National Vice President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria for the South-South geopolitical zone, Anthony Tosan Prest, has outlined an ambitious plan to transform the region’s tourism sector by tapping into its vast maritime resources.
Speaking shortly after he emerged as ATPN Vice President for the region, Prest emphasised his commitment to harnessing the untapped blue tourism potential in the South-South.
He noted the critical role of collaboration and engagement with key stakeholders, including state and local governments, private sector operators, and local communities, in achieving this vision.
He said, “My vision for the South-South region’s tourism industry is built around promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and unique maritime resources.
“By developing the blue tourism potential of the region, Nigeria could tap into the global tourism market, create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve the livelihoods of local communities.”
Prest underscored the importance of advocacy and policy influence in creating an enabling environment for tourism development.
He revealed plans to promote public-private partnerships, foster capacity building, and ensure community engagement, stressing that these steps are crucial to equitable distribution of the benefits of tourism.
“To achieve my regional agenda, my team and I will engage in advocacy aimed at influencing policies. We will work closely with government agencies and stakeholders to create a supportive framework for blue tourism development,” he explained.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
