The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, a leading multi-sector private tourism body, has announced plans to unlock the vast blue tourism potential of Nigeria’s South-South region through the creation of a regional tourism events calendar.
The National Vice President of ATPN for the South-South, Chief Anthony Tosan Prest, disclosed this during a meeting of the association’s South-South caucus held at Protea Hotel in Benin City, Edo State. He said the initiative was designed to promote the region’s cultural heritage, natural attractions and maritime assets, while drawing increased tourist traffic and private investment to the area.
Chief Prest explained that the association’s blue tourism development strategy was aimed at harnessing the region’s extensive coastal and marine resources to create jobs, support sustainable livelihoods and expand economic opportunities. According to him, the plan also places strong emphasis on mariculture practices as a way to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks, limit environmental degradation and provide income for unemployed rural populations in coastal communities.
He noted that mariculture, which involves the cultivation, management and harvesting of marine organisms in estuarine, brackish, coastal and offshore waters, as well as in controlled enclosures such as pens and tanks, could play a major role in improving food security and strengthening coastal economies across the oil-rich maritime region.
“We intend to collaborate with government agencies, private sector operators and local communities with a view to advocating policies that promote blue tourism and developing public-private partnerships that will enhance capacity building and community engagement,” Prest said.
He added that “the desired outcome of our blue tourism initiative is increased coastal and marine tourism revenue and blue growth, improved regional tourism infrastructure, stronger collaboration and partnerships, job creation and sustainable development.”
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According to him, ATPN’s blue tourism drive aligns with the global push for sustainable tourism and Nigeria’s broader efforts to tap into the blue economy as part of economic diversification. He said the association had continued to work toward reviving tourism in the South-South, with focus on compliance, member value and structural growth.
Chief Prest further stated that the plan was to unlock the region’s largely untapped coastal and marine tourism assets in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly as it relates to the maritime and blue economy sectors.
Speaking at the meeting, the South-South representative on the ATPN Board of Trustees and Managing Director of Ogba Zoo, Benin City, Sir Andy Ehanire, said the regional tourism development strategy would boost revenue generation, foreign exchange earnings and improve livelihoods across the zone.
“The region boasts rich ecotourism opportunities, including mangrove forests, wetlands and diverse wildlife,” Ehanire said. “To achieve this goal, ATPN plans to promote public-private partnerships, engage in advocacy to influence policies, develop capacity building programmes and foster community engagement to ensure that tourism benefits are shared equitably.”
He said the planned tourism events calendar would help showcase the South-South’s unique attractions, including pristine beaches, marine life, vibrant cultural festivals, scenic landscapes, wildlife, historical landmarks and rich cultural heritage. According to him, the initiative is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve the quality of life for communities across the region.
The maiden South-South caucus meeting was attended by ATPN National Publicity Secretary, Dr Piriye Kiyaramo, National Auditor, Hon. Ogba Victor, and the Executive Director of Gbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organisation, Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright.
ATPN’s overarching goal, the association restated, is to build a strong private-sector-driven tourism industry in Nigeria that creates wealth, generates employment, promotes culture and competes effectively on the global stage.
