Nelson NseAbasi
The Honourary Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, has drawn the attention of tourism stakeholders to one of Nigeria's biggest tourism investments,ARISE PALM RESORT,which is scheduled for commissioning in September by the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.
Describing it as a landmark project set to redefine leisure, hospitality and conference tourism in the country,Onung said the world-class facility, strategically located in the heart of Uyo,Akwa Ibom State,is designed to position Nigeria as a preferred destination for both domestic and international visitors.
The tourism adviser made the remarks while delivering his address at the opening of the 2026 Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) in Lagos. He urged tour operators across Nigeria to immediately begin incorporating the Arise Palm Resort into their travel itineraries and holiday packages, expressing confidence that the development would significantly boost the state's competitiveness as a leisure, business and conference destination.
According to him,the resort boasts luxury accommodation, an artificial lake with floating bars, a championship golf course, modern banquet halls, sports and recreational facilities, as well as other premium attractions that will offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Speaking on the conference theme, "Unlocking Nigeria's Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development," Onung challenged stakeholders to embrace greater collaboration in order to unlock the country's vast tourism potential.
He stressed that Nigeria possesses all the ingredients of a leading global tourism destination but has continued to underperform because of fragmented efforts across the industry.
"Africa has recorded one of the fastest tourism recovery rates in recent years, yet Nigeria has not fully translated its rich cultural heritage, diverse attractions and warm hospitality into sustainable growth," he said.
"The challenge is not a lack of demand. Nigeria has demand in abundance. The real issue is orchestration. We must move beyond fragmented travel experiences and build a unified tourism product capable of competing globally."
Onung, who chairs the Board of Trustees of NATOP and the Governing Council of the Hospitality and Tourism Sector Skills Council of Nigeria (HTSSCN), described tour operators as the backbone of destination development, noting that they serve as the bridge between visitors and destinations while shaping the overall travel experience and promoting Nigeria's image to the global market.
He commended NATOP President, Mrs. Bolaji Mustapha, for what he described as a transformative year for the association, highlighting its rebranding, the launch of a new website, the introduction of a unified identity card for members, the production of members' passport booklets and the establishment of a permanent national secretariat.
Returning to the significance of the Arise Palm Resort, Onung said the project reflects the Akwa Ibom State Government's commitment to building a tourism economy capable of attracting international events, investors and holidaymakers.
The five-day gathering attracted tour operators, government officials, hospitality executives and tourism stakeholders from across the country. It also featured the commissioning of NATOP's first permanent National Secretariat in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the association's history.
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