No fewer than 200 stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector will converge in Uyo on September 1, 2026, to chart a new course for tourism development in Akwa Ibom State and evolve strategies for transforming the sector’s potential into measurable economic gains.
The stakeholders, comprising investors, government officials, hoteliers, transport operators, academics and media practitioners, will participate in a high-level roundtable at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo, aimed at developing an integrated tourism ecosystem and establishing mechanisms to track implementation beyond the event.
The roundtable, with the theme, “Repositioning Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination” and tagline, “Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom,” is also designed to complement the tourism and hospitality investments of Governor Umo Eno’s administration under the ARISE Agenda.
The organisers said the state has the infrastructure, cultural heritage, cuisine and improved aviation connectivity needed to become a leading tourism destination, but must address challenges relating to destination branding, marketing, organisation and monetisation.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman of the Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Akwa Ibom Chapter, Daniel Udoh; Chairman, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Akwa Ibom Chapter, Joseph Umoh; and Chairman/CEO, Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd, A. Usen Udoh, the dialogue will focus on practical outcomes and partnerships.
Key areas for discussion include tourism investment, hospitality standards, business and events tourism, community participation, youth and women entrepreneurship, destination branding and sustainable tourism.
Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, will deliver the keynote address, while former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, will chair the event. Veteran journalist and media consultant, Etim Etim, will moderate the proceedings.
The organisers said the objective was to move “Destination Akwa Ibom from potential to performance” by attracting more visitors, investments and events, increasing visitor spending, creating employment and generating sustainable opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Panelists expected at the roundtable include tourism strategist and delivery advisor to the Governor, Sir Charles Sebastian Udoh; Professor Bassey B. Esu of the University of Calabar; historian, Dr Nkereuwem David Edemekong of the University of Uyo; Chairman/CEO, RemLord Tours Ltd and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mr Nkereuwem Onung; and Vice President, FTAN South-South, Mrs Faith Esohe Essien.
