The National Association
of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has hailed the Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike on his renewed efforts in promoting tourism in the state.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Mr Steve Isokariari who made the commendation during a visit of a 21-man team of South African Tourism Practitioners to Port Harcourt recently, said the renewed efforts would definitely transform the state as a tourist haven and attraction in Nigeria.
Isokariari noted that as the government is embarking on the construction of an amusement park along Aba Road by Bori Camp, wildlife park is been planned to be sited within Greater Port Harcourt City, the Garden City Amusement Park to replace the Tran-Amadi Slaughter Zoo as well as the sitting of an Agua Tourism Beach at Ikuru Town Sand Beach in Andoni Local Government Area with an hotel as a natural site to further boost the economy and attract investors.
He noted that such facilities would bring back old memories and further thanked Governor Wike for giving priority attention to tourism in the state, which according to him is a high income earner that also showcases the tourism potentials in Rivers State.
Isokariari, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) OF Dial Travel Bureau Limited opined that the two day visit of the South African Tourists to Port Harcourt is a clear indication that Rivers State is peaceful and safe to invest contrary to negative reports in some quarters, and enjoined the government to keep up the tempo.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting tourist, the team leader, Hconi Pitso commended their Nigerian counterparts for keeping to the objectived of the association and also lauded the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike for encouraging the tourism industry in the state, and urged him to maintain the vision.
Pitso noted with delight that their stay in Port Harcourt, Nigeria was significant as it hed further proved that the state is safe for investment and tourism. He expressed the desire of South African Toursim (SAT) to partner with their Nigerian counterparts by supporting some Nigerians on a 7-day All Expenses Paid Tour to South Africa as a means of encouraging the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, two tourism and travel practitioners, Mr Tamunotonye Briggs and Veronica Onovoh of Dial Travel Bureau are in South Africa for the tour.
Highlights of the South African Tourists visit to Port Harcourt was stop over at Brooklyn Tourist Centre along East-West Road, Rumuosi where they were treated to a cultural display by the United Friends Cultural Dance Group, a visit to the mini zoo and museum of the centre, a dinner at Polo Club, night life at Genesis, GRA and a visit to the site of the Amusement Park along Aba Road Port Harcourt.