Permanent Secretary Harps On Partnership For Thriving Tourism Sector In A’Ibom

UYO
With Tourism as a cardinal sector in the ARISE Agenda, operators of the industry have been charged to collaborate actively with government towards positioning Akwa Ibom as a premier tourism destination on the global map. 
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Grace Akpan, gave the charge recently in Uyo, during a meeting with operators of the industry at the Hotels and Tourism Board, Ewet Housing Estate, Uyo.
Akpan expressed deep appreciation to the Tourism operators for their dedicated contributions towards the growth of the private sector and pledged the ministry’s commitment to fostering a strong and effective partnership with them for a thriving Tourism sector in the State.
She emphasised that synergy between the government and stakeholders will yield significant mutual benefits for both parties as well as accelerate the state’s tourism growth and urged them to imbibe the spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
The permanent secretary assured that the Ministry remains steadfast in its mission to position Akwa Ibom as a leading tourism hub, leveraging strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
In their separate reactions, the stakeholders pledged their commitment to advancing the ARISE Agenda of the tourism-friendly governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, even as they acknowledged the ministry’s efforts in creating an enabling environment for tourism to thrive in the State.
They therefore expressed their readiness to work collectively as a formidable team towards the State’s tourism development.
The meeting had in attendance key officials from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, including the director of Tourism, Mrs Christina Enoch; director of Administration, Mr. Mfon Udokang; director of Culture, Mrs. Comfort Anwana; head of PRS, Mr. Imo Moffat; director of Marketing, Mr. Ofonmbuk John, as well as the head of Administration in the Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Ekan Afangide, and the head of Hospitality in the Hotels and Tourism Board, Mr. Aniekan Inyang. 
Among the tourism stakeholders present were the chairman, Institute of Tourism Professionals of Nigeria, Mr. Bren Inyang; chief executive officer of Uyai Cuisine, Obonganwan Maria Therese Adiakpan; chief executive officer of Jous Leisure Travels and Events, Mr. Joe Francis Umoh; chief executive officer of Abilfat Travel, Mrs. Faith Essien; chief executive officer of NZATHA, Mr. Nsikan Umana, and chief executive officer of Awazon Global Tours, Mr. Ubong Ekpe.