Tourism has been known to be a major foreign exchange
earner in many developing countries . Indeed most of these countries depend on tourism and have been able to broaden their resource base through the development of the industry. In Kenya, tourism has displaced coffee and horticultural produce as their country’s leading export earnings as it has in Costa Rica.
Tourism development played the major role in Botswana’s graduation from Least Developed Country (LDCS) status and has been vital in Cuba’s economy since 1990 when Russian economic support was reduced.
Tourism has developed into a worldwide activity which accounts for over 40 per cent of province of Alberta in Canada’s economy, encourages higher standard of living and generates increase cash flow with the local business, thereby enhancing the economy of the state.
Tourism income assisted the Caribbean Island’s economics. China’s adoption of tourism as a means of economis development is enabling it to attain very high rate of economic growth in targeted areas.
In Nigeria, the Federal Government in its determined efforts to develop and promote tourism into an economically viable industry had in 1991 evolved a tourism policy. The main thrust of the policy is to make Nigeria a prominent tourism destination in Africa, generate foreign exchange, encourage even development, and foster socio-cultural unity among the various regions of the country through the promotion of domestic and international tourism. It also aims at encouraging active private sector participation in tourism development.
Rivers State, because of its rich potential in tourism, has been described as a land of variety and contrast. What with the thick mangrove swamps, extended and roomy river, ocean beaches ideal for swimming and other water sports, unique wildlife, vast tracts of unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest, and good climate conditions in the State conducive to holidaying.
Other attractions include traditional way of life preserved in local customs, rich and varied handicrafts and other colourful products illustrative of native arts and lifestyle, Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, Slave Transit Hall at Akasa, Akasa, Raid Grave Yard, Monument of King Jaja of Opobo, Ifoko Beach, Port Harcourt Tourist Beach, the Water Glass Boat yard, the Oil Terminal at Bonny and the Petroleum Refinery at Alesa Eleme.
Thus, the weather, wildlife, historical relics, captivating beaches coupled with the warm hearted and cultural active population make Rivers State an interesting tourism delight.
Indeed,  Rivers State is a fertile ground for both local and foreign tourist desirous to visit her tourist attractions in order to appreciate the extent to which nature has blessed her.
The scenery of the state is lovely and peculiar in nature. A trip round the town tells it all, as it can be assessed by road and by sea. The scenery is captivating.
Rivers State is also very rich with social amenities and infrastructures such as good roads, electricity, hotels, beaches, zoo and parks. There are clubs like Lesuka and Casablanca for relaxation and fun.
In spite of the hustle and bustle within the city metropolis, the Rivers people take life easy. We love to celebrate, to party and have fun. Every occasion is an excuse to unwind and share unforgettable moments with friends and family. There
The tourism prospect in Rivers State is great  the Amaechi administration has made Rivers State a tourism haven, taking advantage of the rich culture of the State.
In pursuance of this, government sponsors the Annual CARNIRIV featuring the 23 Local Government Areas and other participants. Some of the striking features of CARNIRIV are the cultural carnival and the Old Port Harcourt Groove, the biggest party in Africa.
Another festival of note is the Annual Opobo International Boat Regatta and Cultural festival; a little insight into the history of Bonny, Okrika, Ikwerre, Ogba, Opobo, Ogoni, will increase one’s interest to study the people of Rivers State along side their culture which is still kept till date. The culture of introduction into womanhood is called IRIA in Kalabari. The boat regattas, beautiful dance steps and masquerading, not to talk of the special Rivers meal with fresh fish and other sea foods fresh from the water.
Other factors that attract tourists to the state are the hospitality of the people. It is often said that there are people who possess the gift of hospitality. Rivers people can be classified in this category because of the effortless way they express hospitality and love. There is something in the atmosphere in Port Harcourt that creates a gracious hospitality spirit. Nowhere do we feel so much at home than in Port Harcourt. And though the city may have none of the imposing magnificence of renowned great cities of the world, it is often far more charming.
Rivers people are courteous and warm. It is not uncommon to be offered warm delicious meal on your first visit to a home.  Opening our doors to strangers is simply our way of life. No wonder the state is called a home of hospitality.
However, many of these tourist attractions in the state are still largely untapped and at their raw states because the State government had not addressed or put in place policy that will effectively promote tourism and project the state to the outside world.
The Rivers State Government should as a matter of urgency ensure the provision of basic infrastructural facilities, namely good roads, water, electricity, communication, etc to centres of attraction in order to accelerate their development for the purpose of exploiting fully their tourist value.
Government should also provide without any hindrance, lands for tourism development at concessional rates and condition favourable to investment and the realization of investment thereon. This will necessarily include the abolition of annual ground rent within the period of construction and development, for orderly development of tourism and tourism product, and let it be mandatory for government to demarcate potential tourism zones and their products from other usage to avoid undue pollution.
In order to host the level of private sector investment in tourism, government should treat tourism as a preferred sector by introducing such incentives as tax holidays, tax rebate and soft loans with long period moratorium to potential investors in tourism.
In order to reduce dependence on government subvention and enhance the sustainability of tourism sites government should partner with private sector to develop the tourism sector to attain its potentials.
Tourism as a money spinner should be adequately funded. Adequate transportation means and facilities should be provided for tourism purposes so that they can be moved from place to place to see these spatially located geographical components of tourism as it is in developed countries. Mobility from one tourist site to another should be developed.
Tourist guards should be trained, liberal scholarship needs to be given to indigenous youth to study tourism related courses such as culture, dance and drama to meet international standard.
The tourism industry in the state should be consciously developed as it is capable of bringing  millions of people from different cultures together.
As it is, the Rivers State Tourism Development Agency set up by the State Government with a very clear mandate: To revamp, revive and re-engineer her old and emerging tourism potentials should deliberately craft both short and long term strategies that are guaranteed to deliver in this millennium. Their greatest commitment should be how to sell the state most valuable tourism export product to the world.
Nnam is of the Federal Information Centre, Port Harcourt.

J. Z. Nnam