Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, is set to declare the Araromi Seaside in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government area (LGA), a tourist zone

Mr Akeredolu, on Friday in Akure, noted that the government could no longer leave the state’s huge potentials in tourism untapped.

Of the 840 kilometres of beachfront in Nigeria, Ondo possesses a 200 kilometres stretch, the country’s longest.

The governor said the Araromi Seaside beach would be developed in partnership with La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort Ltd., and would attract global attention to the state as well as enhance local tourism.

He said that it would replicate the success stories of Tourism, particularly in Dubai, in the Sunshine State.

“We have reached an agreement to declare our waterfronts or shores, where we have a lot of advantage in the country, a Tourism zone,” Mr Akeredolu said.

Wanle Akinboboye, Chairman, La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort Ltd., said that the declaration would create jobs and drive revenue generation in the state.

Mr Akinboboye said the declaration would provide a platform for the present and future generation to enjoy tourism to the fullest.

He said the natural tourist endowment of  Sunshine State would be explored for the benefits of not only Nigerians, but the global community for the economic prosperity of the state.

“The entire Dubai has a total of 70 kilometers of beachfront; they welcome over 15.9 million visitors every year.

“Just imagine if they spend a thousand dollars, multiplied by 15.9 million people, that is what Mr Governor wants to replicate, to bring the entire world here,” he said.

(NAN)