Cross River Tourism Gets Boost as CRSMEDA, CALCCIMA Partner; ₦50 Million Grants Announced for Hotel Owners
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Cross River State is set to strengthen its tourism sector through a strategic partnership between the Cross River State Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (CRSMEDA) and the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA). The collaboration was formalised ahead of the inaugural stakeholder engagement scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, focusing on enhancing the state’s tourism potential.
In preparation for the engagement, CRSMEDA CEO, Great Ogban, and CALCCIMA Vice President for Tourism, Justina Ovat, met with Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau. Discussions highlighted the importance of leveraging the state’s tourism resources, supporting local businesses, and fostering synergy between CRSMEDA, CALCCIMA, and the Tourism Bureau to advance Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) development.
Prince Ekpenyong revealed that the state government has disbursed Fifty Million Naira (₦50,000,000) in grants to hotel owners as part of a stimulus package aimed at revitalising the hospitality sector. He further outlined plans to elevate 50 hotels and restaurants annually, positioning Cross River back as a leading tourism destination in Nigeria.
The Tourism Bureau chief also disclosed plans to establish a Community Tourism Association, primarily comprising local hunters, to protect the state’s green areas, which make up an estimated 45% of Nigeria’s total tree cover. He emphasised that the state’s comprehensive tourism database underscores Cross River’s readiness for strategic growth and partnerships.
According to Prince Ekpenyong, “This partnership is a solution-driven strategy to harness the full potentials of tourism while empowering local businesses and communities. Cross River State is poised for sustainable growth in the sector.”
This initiative signals a significant step in bolstering the state’s tourism infrastructure, supporting local enterprises, and enhancing the economic impact of tourism on communities. Stakeholders and residents alike anticipate that the collaboration will solidify Cross River’s status as a top destination for leisure, business, and cultural experiences.
Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org
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