The private sector in Akwa Ibom State is mobilizing stakeholders to reposition the state as Nigeria’s leading tourism and hospitality destination through a high-level dialogue scheduled for September.

The Roundtable is convened by the Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter led by Obong Daniel Udoh (North-South), and the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter led by Sir Joseph Umoh in collaboration with stakeholders in the industry.

The upcoming event also has the strategic consultancy support of Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd.

A press release by the organizers, says the event, christened “NHA/ FTAN Tourism Roundtable 2026, will hold on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at CEEDAPEG Hotels, Uyo.

It says that the Roundtable is a bold step aimed at complimenting the enormous tourism and hospitality investment being implemented under the ARISE Agenda of the administration of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

With the theme “Repositioning Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s Preferred Tourism and Hospitality Destination” and tagline “Unlocking Destination Akwa Ibom,” the event aims to shift focus from the state’s tourism potential to measurable performance, investment attraction, and economic impact.

Former Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, High Chief Edem Duke, will deliver the keynote address while Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, former Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government (SSG) and former President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), will serve as the Chairman of the event while veteran journalist and Media Consultant, Mr. Etim Etim will moderate proceedings.

Panelists expected at the event include tourism strategist and delivery advisor to the Governor, Sir Charles Sebastian Udoh; Professor of Marketing, University of Calabar, Prof. Bassey B. Esu; Historian, Dr. Nkereuwem David Edemekong of the University of Uyo; Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, Chairman/ CEO RemLord Tours Ltd /Chairman, Board of Trustees, Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) and SSA on Tourism to Akwa Ibom State Governor and Mrs. Faith Esohe Essien, Vice President, FTAN South-South.

The organizers maintained that Akwa Ibom is blessed with hospitality infrastructure, cultural heritage, cuisine, and improved aviation connectivity, but the challenge now is organization, marketing, and monetization.

Key areas for discussion at the one-day confab include destination branding, tourism investment, hospitality standards, business and events tourism, community participation, youth and women entrepreneurship, and sustainable tourism.

This initiative is designed to produce practical outcomes and partnerships. The time has come to transition “Destination Akwa Ibom from potential to performance.” Tourism must be developed as a viable economic sector capable of attracting visitors, investment, and events, increasing visitor expenditure, creating employment, and generating sustainable opportunities for local businesses and communities.

About 150-200 stakeholders including investors, government officials, hoteliers, transport operators, academics, and media practitioners are expected to attend.

The Roundtable is not a talk shop but a platform to build an integrated tourism ecosystem and track implementation beyond the event.

Sponsors of the NHA/FTAN Roundtable include Ceedapeg Hotels, Blueway Ocean Foundation, Archie Nigeria Limited, Watbridge Hotels and Suites, Madina Hotels & Residences and Albert Suites, among others.

The press release was jointly signed by Obong Daniel Udoh (North-South), Chairman, Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Akwa Ibom State Chapter;

Sir Joseph Umoh, Chairman, Federation HB of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter and Amb. Usen Udoh, Chairman/CEO, Legacy Tourism Development Services Ltd and Consultant to the program.

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