AS AKWA IBOM STATE GOVERNMENT PREPARES TO HOST THE FEDERATION OF TOURISM ASSOCIATIONS OF NIGERIA (FTAN) CONVENTION FOR THIS YEAR AND TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR FOUR DAYS SPANNING MAY 21 AND 24, 2025 USING THE OCCASION TO EXPOSE THEM TO THE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF THE STATE THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE IBOM TOURPROGRAMME THE HONOURARY SPECIAL ADVISER ON CULTURE AND TOURISM TO THE STATE GOVERNOR NKEREUWEM ONUNG HAS DESCRIBED AKWA IBOM STATE AS A ARISING STAR IN AFRICAN TOURISM SPACE COMMENDING THE STATE GOVERNOR PASTOR UMO ENO FOR HIS COMMITMENT TO THE SECTOR THORUGH HIS ARISE AGENDA
… to host FTAN convention, experience Ibom tour
Ahead of hosting of the Governing Council of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) and tourism stakeholders across the country on what has been tagged; FTAN Tourism Convention by the Akwa Ibom State government, the Honourary Senior Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism to the Governor, Nkereuwem Onung, has described Akwa Ibom as, ‘‘a rising star in African tourism.’’
Onung made this known while disclosing plans for the tourism convention, which is slated to hold in Uyo between May 21 and 24, 2025. Onung, who is also the National President of FTAN, the umbrella body for private sector operators in tourism, said the convention will feature FTAN Governing Council Meeting, tourism stakeholders’ gala and experience Ibom Tour, which will explore Akwa Ibom’s destinations and cultural heritage.
He said, ‘‘the choice of Akwa lbom as host of this all important council convention is based on its rising profile in the tourism landscape of Africa and we will like tourism stakeholders to have firsthand experience of the destination.’’
Adding, ‘‘Akwa Ibom State is a rising star in Africa’s tourism landscape, boasting of a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.’’
While commending and thanking the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for the opportunity to serve the State, he said,‘‘Akwa Ibom State government has made significant strides in developing its tourism sector,’’ This is as he highlighted some of the developmental strides of the governor in tourism through his ARISE Agenda, to include:
Attainment and promotion of peace, investment in tourism infrastructure, tourism sites development, promotion of cultural heritage, establishment of tourism committee, and public-private partnerships.
According to him, ‘‘these developments aim to boost tourism, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth in Akwa Ibom State, considering tourism as a developmental catalyst.’’
He urged the various tourism stakeholders across the country to take advantage of the government hosting of the event to participate in the four days convention.
Saying, ‘‘I also want to use this medium to call on all tourism stakeholders across the nation to participate in the Tourism Stakeholders Gala and Experience Ibom Tour, showcasing Akwa Ibom’s potential and contributing to Nigeria’s tourism growth.
‘‘We are open to sponsorship/partnership of any sort to host the convention, with guarantee of mileage for brands. I look forward to a fruitful and rewarding collaboration and deliberations.’’
