KEY POINTS
- Rivers State Governor Fubara wants private sector participation to expand the state’s offering to the tourism industry.
- New opportunities in this field would hence open employment reservation in Rivers State.
- Deliberate on enhancing locally grown hardware in the development of entertainment and tourism.
With reduced oil revenues, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara urged the tourism and entertainment industries to step up their activities and court investment through a filled event schedule. He argued that when you become specific on tourism, you see that the economy improves, people are employed, and the region gets opportunities.
Addressing participants in the Peace Walk in commemoration of World Tourism Day 2024 with the theme, Tourism and Peace, Fubara advances the largely untapped opportunity in Rivers State. The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria FTAN and Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism made the event possible, held in Port Harcourt.
Political support for tourism development
According to Fubara, Rivers possesses both prospective and latent tourism, which, when marketed, can propel massive growth. He challenged stakeholders to embrace development and foster tourism incubation, which may spur investment and employment.
Speaking on the event and entertainment center, Fubara drew the attention of the house to Part 4 §338. He stated that many areas require attention, including making the state conducive for willing investors and promoters to host more events in Rivers. He added that the low crime rate in the state defines the development of tourism.
“I think you understand what has to be done to make the people put their money into those sectors,” he said. “These investments will not only catalyze development but will also help address unemployment.”
It is time to organize and bring together professionals and talents
Governor Fubara proposed synergy within the industry, especially in talent development. He said that while it is true Rivers State has been producing some of the country’s brightest stars in movies, music, and entertainment, more needs to be done to foster talents.
This is because there is a need for channels/platforms through which upcoming talents in these areas of specialization, especially in music, can be identified and developed.
“Activities carried out in Lagos can be completed at Port Harcourt with much less expense, and the base for entertainment is expanding there as well,” he said.
According to Vanguard, Governor Fubara appealed to tourism associations to keep encouraging peace and also use occasions such as World Tourism Day to create awareness. He wanted the associations to know that the state government would extend support to foster tourism and peaceful living in Rivers.
In his speech, Kenule Kobo, Director of Tourism in Rivers State, took his time to pay tribute to Governor Fubara for his peaceful disposition. He described the Peace Walk as key for the promotion of tourism. The walk, he said, was to flagship World Tourism Day and called on the people of the state to support the government’s agenda on tourism.
