World Tourism Day 2023:Gov Eno, Boatman Tarzan and Eze Anyanwu decorated, as FTAN honours tourism icons in Uyo

The trio of His Highness, Dr Patrick Anyanwu, Dr. Balogun Tarzan (Boatman) and the governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno were on Wednesday, September 27,2023 decorated with Tourism Icon Award in Uyo. 

The award ceremony added colour to the activities lined up to commemorate 2023 World Tourism Day, which had Uyo, Akwa Ibom State as host of tourism stakeholders from across Nigeria,under the auspices of Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). 

The ceremony held at the state-of-art Vinpy Hotel Events Center, followed a conference held earlier in the day, where practitioners reaffirmed their resolve that indeed, Akwa Ibom is a destination worth exploring, as a state with rich tourism assets.

The president of FTAN, Mr Nkereuwem Onung on the occasion took time to explain the importance of the recognition, he said the award is not just a plaque or a sycophantic show,but it is real reward for excellence in service by the recipients. 

In their remarks, Igwe Patrick Anyanwu, who also doubles as the President of the Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), thanked FTAN for the recognition accorded him, and also the Akwa Ibom Government for honouring the FTAN President ‘their son’ with a position in the State Executive Council (SEC), just as he recounted his years of working to grow the hospitality sector of the country’s economy. While Dr. Balogun Tarzan who also doubles as the President of the Association of Tourist Boat Operators and water Transporters Association (ATBOWATON) called on more investment in water transportation. 

Akwa Ibom state commissioner for culture & tourism, Sir Charles Udoh who received the award on behalf of the governor commended the leadership of FTAN for their strides and choice of awardees. 

Mr Udoh reiterated the passion of Pastor Umo Eno for tourism, as he made reference to the governor's background of 25 years practice in hospitality and his performance as the state chairman of Hotels & Tourism board years back. These and many more reasons he said, has fueled the governor's passion for tourism, as also displayed in the appointment of tourism stakeholders, Mrs Ime Udoh and Mr Nkereuwem Onung as his senior special advisers on tourism. 

According to the tourism boss, the commencement of flights to Accra by the state owned carrier, Ibom Air and other moves by the current administration will position Akwa Ibom for more tourism exploits.

Earlier, Wednesday, the FTAN president in his welcome address at the opening of activities lined upo by his association commemorating the WTD in Akwa Ibom State, noted that the theme of this year’s celebration ‘underscores the pivotal role that tourism plays in driving sustainable development and fostering responsible investments in our industry.’

Onung, who also commended the Federal Government for carving out the Tourism Ministry from the old Culture, Information and National Orientation setup, said the theme for this year's World Tourism Day 'Tourism & Green Investment' further highlights the urgent need for the tourism sector to embrace green investments that promote environmental sustainability and economic growth simultaneously.

While commending the Akwa Ibom Government for its ARISE Agenda’s focus on agriculture, Onung pledged the support of FTAN members towards ‘advancing sustainable tourism practices.’

The FTAN boss and chief host used the award dinner to thank all the various associations and tourism stakeholders for their partnership and support, he called on them to market destination Akwa Ibom, as the state positions to rekindle the new spirit of tourism in Nigeria.

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