Nigeria: Cross Rivers State Tourism Bureau reiterates commitment to ecotourism pursuit for 2021 and beyond

The Managing Director, Cross River State Tourism Bureau (CRSTB), Mr Utsu John Atsu has said the agency is committed to its ecotourism pursuit for the year 2021 remains unwavering giving the immense benefit it provides for the state.

Atsu reiterated the agency’s commitment during a radio programme: ‘Hardtalk’ on Wednesday, 24th February, 2021.

The MD CRSTB clarified the public on the objectives and strategies being pursued by the CRS Tourism Bureau after COVID-19’s hash impact on tourism in the State.

Mr Atsu stated that Ecotourism remains the primary vision of the Bureau in 2021, and that it provides a platform where the State’s Wildlife resources will be exploited positively to generate foreign exchange inflow to the State.

This is in line with the Agro Industrialization policy of His Excellency Senator Prof. Ben Ayade.

Mr Atsu also highlighted the bureau’s renewed efforts at building better relationships with host communities of tourist sites and attractions with the Marina Resort being of key interest.

The MD was appreciative of the role & efforts of the elders of the Bayside Community at ensuring lasting peace at the Marina Resort devoid of the rancor of misguided youths.

Mr Utsu was accompanied by the Manager, Sponsorship & Public Relations, Mr Charlz Ada as well as the Manager, Standards & Licensing, Mr Emmanuel Ekpe.

Community Based Tourism has always been a driving force in the Bureau’s developmental engagement with tourism communities in the State.

This strategy has aided the bureau at managing attractions such as the Afi Mountain Wildlife Resort, the Qua Waterfalls, the Marina Resort, the Nkarasi Monoliths to mention a few.

The MD believes that the pursuit of Ecotourism with gorilla hiking being a key product on offer; requires the full participation and support of host communities in harnessing this unidentified gold mine for the State’s tourism industry.