Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has said the state will make the tourism industry one of its major sources of revenue by maximising its potentials.
Otti stated this at the 2025 World Tourism Day themed, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” in Umuahia, the state capital.
Represented by his chief of staff, Caleb Ajagba, he noted how Dubai, Israel and Brazil, among others, have boosted their economies through the industry.
”I hope the theme will help us look inwards, using culture, arts and tourism as a powerful tool to bring about needed transformation and change,” he said.
Earlier, the commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Matthew Ekwuribe, said the theme seeks to redirect how people think, plan, invest and engage in tourism.
He underlined the need for the sector to become a vehicle for sustainable development, inclusive growth, environmental stewardship and transformative change.
”Government is revamping heritage sites, expanding roads, hotels and hospitality infrastructure as well as laying foundations for eco-tourism hubs.
”It is also strengthening hospitality partnerships, digitising Abia’s heritage assets, empowering women, youth and creative entrepreneurs to thrive in the tourism value chain,” he stated.
The event featured art exhibition, drama presentation, cultural performances, discussion session and goodwill messages from individuals, organisations and institutions.
Lectures were delivered by Vivian Okpaleke on “How to Manage the Tourism Industry for Profitability in the 21st Century”, and Solomon Uwakwe on “Excellent Customer Service: A Habit for Sustainable Tourism Growth.”
