Grace Akpan
With palpable enthusiasm, Culture and Tourism commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Sir Charles Udoh has highlighted the immense success and benefits of last year’s Christmas Unplugged 1.0.
He recounted that over 1.5 million people attended the inaugural event, enjoying top-notch security throughout its 32-day duration.
This year, the state anticipates an even larger turnout, with expectations set at 2 million participants for Christmas Unplugged 2.0.
Culture and Tourism Development Agenda
Sir Charles Udoh also emphasized Akwa Ibom’s unique blue economy, noted that the state boasts the longest sand beach in Africa (Ibeno Beach) a major attraction for tourists.
He revealed that Governor Umo Bassey Eno has invited Landmark company, Africa’s largest beach developer, to enhance this prime asset.
This development is expected to create numerous job opportunities, boosting the quality of life and local businesses.
Addressing hospitality challenges, the Commissioner announced that standard hotels would soon be listed on the ministry’s website, with grading already underway. Many hotels are currently expanding their facilities to meet these new standards in preparation for the upcoming festive season( Christmas unplugged 2.0).
Highlighting the state’s culinary excellence, Sir Charles declared that Akwa Ibom has some of the best cuisines in the world, a significant draw for tourists.
He urged those in the culinary sector to continue improving their services, spurred by the government’s tourism initiatives.
The Commissioner also praised the state’s rich cultural heritage and the strong interrelationships among its three major ethnic groups.
He spoke highly of Akwa Ibom’s craft industry, particularly the renowned raffia production in Ikot Ekpene, known as the “Raffia City.” Sir Charles stressed the importance of educating the younger generation on the economic benefits of craft production for sustainable tourism.
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Discussing the ministry’s Discover Akwa Ibom campaign, Sir Charles outlined its goals: to showcase the state’s tourism sites, raise awareness of tourism’s benefits, and promote Akwa Ibom’s arts, crafts, and culture.
He also mentioned ongoing collaborations with private tourism operators, FTAN and others to discover new sites, including a recently identified waterfall in Itu Local Government Area by one of his tour guides in the Ministry.
Sir Charles highlighted the potential of boat cruises as a revenue generator.
The state government has commissioned the construction of larger, more comfortable boats,Art entertainment and safety, expected to be ready by December.
He assured that Christmas Unplugged 2.0 would feature 24-hour power supply, a mix of contemporary entertainment, cultural displays, local cuisine exhibitions, and the Guinness World Record-holding Christmas Carol Service, all within the Christmas park.
He urged everyone to book their flights early to fully participate in the 2024 Christmas Unplugged 2.0 in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria’s premier tourism destination.
