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From Isaac Job, Uyo
Former Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation High Chief Edem Duke, experts and other stakeholders in tourism sector have concluded arrangements for a roundtable discussion to chart a new course for integrated tourism ecosystem and track implementation of tourism sector policies in Akwa Ibom state .
Other stakeholders would include government officials, hoteliers, academics , aviation facilitators and media practitioners.
A press statement made available to Journalists in Uyo and jointly signed by Obong Daniel Udoh Chairman, Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter; Sir Joseph Umoh, Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) respectively indicated that the ex Minister will deliver a keynote address as tourism professionals across Nigeria are fully mobilized for the event with the aim to reposition Akwa Ibom as a leading hospitality and tourism hub in Nigeria.
Udoh stated that the tourism roundtable scheduled to hold on 1st September, 2026 at CEEDAPEG hotel in Uyo would remain a bold step to compliment enormous tourism and hospitality investment being implemented under the ARISE Agenda of the administration of Pastor Umo Eno in the state .
According to Udoh the tourism roundtable would be held on the theme “Repositioning Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination” and tagline “Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom,” focusing on a paradigm shift from the state’s tourism potential to measurable performance, investment attraction, and economic impact.
The statement reads in parts
“Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, will deliver the keynote address while Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG) and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), will serve as the Chairman of the event while veteran journalist and Media Consultant, Mr. Etim Etim will moderate proceedings”.
Udoh said that Akwa Ibom is blessed with hospitality infrastructure, cultural heritage, cuisine, and improved aviation connectivity while the challenge of how to organize the sector, marketing, and monetization for improved revenue .
“Key areas for discussion at the one-day confab include destination branding, tourism investment, hospitality standards, business and events tourism, community participation, youth and women entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism” .
He said the initiative is designed to produce practical outcomes and partnerships.
“The time has come to transit “Destination Akwa Ibom from potential to performance
“Tourism must be developed as a viable economic sector capable of attracting visitors, investment, and events, increasing visitor expenditure, creating employment, and generating sustainable opportunities for local businesses and communities”.
