Cross River tourism collaboration urged to drive youth jobs, economic growth, and cultural preservation at World Tourism Day celebration in Calabar

The Cross River tourism collaboration call was renewed on Thursday as the state marked the 2025 World Tourism Day with a special ceremony in Calabar.

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Officials and industry leaders emphasised the need for stronger partnerships to boost youth employment, drive economic growth, and reposition the sector for national development.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture, carried the theme “Tourism for Sustainable Transformation and Inclusive Growth.”

It highlighted the role of policy reforms, investment, and collective action in making tourism a transformative driver of development.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Eme Affiah, said tourism should be seen as more than leisure.

“Today, we gather not only to celebrate tourism but to reflect on its transformative power as a driver of development, inclusivity, and cultural preservation,” she said.

Affiah urged stakeholders to strengthen infrastructure, promote cultural assets, and position Cross River as a leading tourism hub.

Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, underscored the importance of community-based tourism, digital innovation, and eco-friendly practices.

He added that the private sector must play a central role in sustaining growth.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development, Thomas Ekpeme, outlined government measures to sustain tourism through investment in key infrastructure.

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The ceremony brought together policymakers, community leaders, and students, reflecting a broad push to reposition the state’s tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth and cultural preservation.