The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has announced plans to unlock the vast blue tourism potential in Nigeria’s South-South region, targeting job creation, investment attraction, and sustainable economic growth through a structured tourism events calendar.The initiative was disclosed by the National Vice President of ATPN for the South-South region, Chief Anthony Tosan Prest, during a South-South caucus meeting held on Monday at Protea Hotel, Benin City, Edo State. He said the plan is designed to promote the region’s cultural heritage, natural attractions, and maritime resources while positioning it as a competitive tourism destination.
Chief Prest explained that the blue tourism development strategy focuses on harnessing coastal and marine assets for inclusive growth. According to him, the initiative aims to generate employment, stimulate local economies, and promote mariculture practices to reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and minimize environmental degradation.
He noted that mariculture, which involves the cultivation and harvesting of marine organisms in coastal, estuarine, and offshore environments, could significantly enhance food security and provide sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities in the oil-rich region.“We intend to collaborate with government agencies, private sector operators, and host communities to advocate for policies that support blue tourism, strengthen public-private partnerships, and enhance capacity building and community engagement,” Prest said.
He added that the expected outcomes include increased coastal and marine tourism revenue, improved regional tourism infrastructure, stronger partnerships, job creation, and sustainable development across the South-South states.Chief Prest emphasized that the ATPN blue tourism initiative aligns with global best practices in sustainable tourism and Nigeria’s broader efforts to leverage the blue economy as part of economic diversification. He said the association remains committed to reviving tourism in the South-South through improved compliance, member value creation, and institutional development.
According to him, ATPN’s plan seeks to unlock the region’s largely untapped coastal and marine tourism assets in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly within the maritime and blue economy sectors.In his remarks, the South-South representative on ATPN’s 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 livelihoods.
He highlighted the region’s rich ecotourism opportunities, including mangrove forests, wetlands, diverse wildlife, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural festivals. Ehanire noted that ATPN plans to promote public-private partnerships, policy advocacy, capacity-building programmes, and community participation to ensure equitable distribution of tourism benefits.“
The creation of a tourism events calendar will showcase the South-South’s unique attractions, from scenic landscapes and marine life to historical landmarks and cultural festivals,” he said, adding that the initiative would stimulate economic growth and improve living standards 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 Executive Director of Gbolekekro Women Empowerment and Development Organisation (GWEDO), Comrade Cynthia Buluebiere Bright.
ATPN reiterated its overarching goal of building a thriving, private-sector-driven tourism industry in Nigeria that creates wealth, generates employment, promotes cultural heritage, and competes globally.
