In a plan to boost economy of the state, create more employment for the teeming population, the Cross-River State Government has approved the release of N18 billion for the rehabilitation and upgrade of major tourism assets, including the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort, Marina Resort, Obudu Mountain Resort, and Kwa Falls.

The Special Adviser to Governor Bassey Otu on Tourism Development, Thomas Ikpeme announced the approval in a statement on Thursday in Calabar, the Cross-River State capital.

He said the funding is part of the governor’s “Season of Sweetness” initiative, which seeks to revive the state’s tourism infrastructure, promote cultural heritage, and stimulate economic growth.

Ikpeme said the initiative is central to the administration’s wider goal of repositioning Cross River as a premier tourism destination in Nigeria and the West African region.

The statement read in part: “Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has approved the release of N18 billion to boost tourism infrastructure and reposition the state as a leading destination in Nigeria and West Africa.

“The state government said the fund would be used for the rehabilitation and upgrade of key tourism assets, including the Obudu Mountain Resort, Kwa Falls, Marina Resort, and the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.

“The Special Adviser to the Governor on Tourism Development, Mr. Thomas Ikpeme, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday. Ikpeme said the investment forms part of the administration’s tourism transformation agenda under the “Season of Sweetness” initiative.”

The Special Adviser to the Governor explained that the N18 billion allocation would also cover the remodeling of Amber Tinapa Hotel and Studio Tinapa, along with the construction of a new pier harbor to boost waterfront tourism.

Ikpeme said part of the funding would go toward developing Axari Towers, a project aimed at expanding the state’s lodging capacity ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Calabar Carnival in December 2025.

He said, “The government’s focus on Axari Towers is intended to support the hosting of major events and meet rising demand for hotel accommodation.”

He stated, as part of its wider tourism promotion drive, the Cross-River State government has planned to roll out the “Experience Calabar” campaign and establish a Heritage Market to showcase local crafts, arts, and cultural heritage.

According to him, “The initiative also includes efforts to strengthen transportation and business tourism infrastructure.

“The government has acquired two CRJ 1000 aircraft to expand the fleet of Cally Air, the state-owned airline operated in partnership with Aero Contractors and ValueJet, which already deploys Boeing 737s.”

In addition, upgrades are ongoing at both the Calabar International Convention Centre (CICC) and the Calabar Cultural Centre to attract conferences and major events.

Speaking, Governor Bassey Otu stressed that the initiative goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as a long-term investment in the people, culture, and economic future of Cross River.

He said the state government expects the transformation programme to create jobs, draw private-sector investment, and promote community-based tourism by enhancing accessibility, increasing accommodation options, and deepening local participation in the tourism value chain.