Governor Bassey Otu has approved the release of N18 billion to boost tourism infrastructure and reposition the state as a leading destination in Nigeria and West Africa.

The Cross River government stated that the fund would be utilised for the rehabilitation and upgrade of key tourism assets, including the Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.

The special adviser to the governor on tourism development, Thomas Ikpeme, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Ikpeme said the investment forms part of the administration’s tourism transformation agenda under the ‘Season of Sweetness’ initiative.

He said the funds would also support the remodelling of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, alongside the construction of a new pier harbour to enhance waterfront tourism activities.

According to him, the state will launch ‘Experience Calabar’ tours and set up a Heritage Market to promote arts, crafts and local culture.

He said part of the funds would be used to develop Axari Towers to increase accommodation capacity ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Calabar Carnival scheduled for December 2025.

The adviser added that the government had acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft to complement the existing Boeing 737s operated by the state-owned airline, Cally Air, in partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet.

He also said that the Calabar International Convention Centre and the Calabar Cultural Centre were undergoing upgrades to attract conferences and business events to the state.

Mr Otu said the initiative was aimed at creating jobs, attracting investments, and promoting local culture through tourism.

“This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in our people, our culture, and our future,” the governor was quoted as saying.

The government said the initiative would improve access, accommodation, and activities across the state while also enhancing human capacity and community-based tourism.

(NAN)