July 10, (THEWILL) — In a major development that underscores the renewed focus on business tourism as a driver of economic growth, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has unveiled an ambitious N18 billion investment package aimed at revitalising the state’s tourism industry. The comprehensive initiative is designed not only to restore the state’s iconic leisure destinations but to reposition Cross River as a globally competitive hub for conferences, creative enterprise, and hospitality.
The announcement, which comes under the banner of Governor Otu’s “Season of Sweetness” agenda, signals a clear intent to leverage tourism infrastructure as a catalyst for both economic development and private sector participation. According to a statement from the Governor’s office, key tourism assets will undergo infrastructural upgrades, including the renowned Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort. These destinations, once the crown jewels of Nigeria’s domestic tourism industry, are being primed for a rebirth that reflects global standards and sustainability.
Critical to this transformation is the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, with both facilities expected to resume operations as anchors of hospitality, entertainment, and creative industry development. The government will also construct a new pier harbour, opening up the state’s waterfront for expanded tourism experiences, marine leisure, and transport linkages that support business mobility.
Governor Otu’s strategic blueprint also includes the launch of the “Experience Calabar” tours, alongside the establishment of a Heritage Market dedicated to showcasing the state’s cultural wealth in arts, crafts, and local enterprise. These interventions are expected to enhance destination appeal and enrich the tourist experience, particularly for international visitors seeking immersive cultural engagement.
A major component of the investment is the government’s support for Axari Towers, a hospitality and events hub, whose expansion will significantly boost the state’s bed capacity ahead of the 20th Anniversary of the Christmas Festival and Carnival Calabar in December 2025. The Governor’s administration sees the carnival not just as a cultural celebration but as a strategic tourism product with the potential to drive global traffic and stimulate the creative economy.
Speaking on the broader objectives of the initiative, Governor Otu affirmed, “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our future”, he noted that the state’s tourism assets must be repositioned to reflect both commercial viability and social impact, with particular emphasis on job creation, enterprise development, and cultural preservation.
In a complementary move to address access and connectivity, the government has announced the acquisition of two CRJ 1000 aircraft to complement the existing fleet of Boeing 737s operated by Cally Air. The airline, which is managed through a partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet, is expected to boost air traffic into the state, making Cross River more accessible to business travellers and tourists alike.
Further demonstrating its commitment to business tourism, the state government has commenced renovation works on the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC), a world-class venue for conferences, exhibitions, and high-level events. Simultaneously, upgrades are being carried out at the Calabar Cultural Centre, another key institution in the promotion of local heritage and performing arts.
The investment plan touches all pillars of tourism development—access, accommodation, activities, human capital, and community-based initiatives. Analysts believe that this level of government commitment, when complemented by private sector collaboration, can unlock billions in revenue, increase internally generated income, and reposition Cross River as a leading destination for both leisure and business tourism in West Africa.
By embracing a multidimensional strategy that combines infrastructure renewal, cultural tourism, and enhanced air connectivity, the Otu administration is setting the stage for Cross River to regain its position as a tourism powerhouse. With the global tourism market becoming increasingly competitive, these moves offer a template for how Nigerian states can integrate tourism development with economic policy to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
