Agency Harps On Tourism Growth In Rivers

The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to making the sector a pillar of inclusive growth.
The Director General of RSTDA, Yibo Koko, who made this pledge during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, called for the involvement of government and stakeholders to ensure increase in the economic growth of the state.
He noted that the agency was a driver of sustainable development and tourism increased economic growth, quality of life, environmental protection, preservation of culture and heritage.
Koko further added that the agency was also tasked by the Rivers State Government to innovate, engineer and administer its emerging local, national and international tourism interests.
“At Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, we are focused on effectively engaging, empowering and creating programmes and activities that are hinged on improving the overall well-being of stakeholders and members of our communities with the provision of sustainable, smart and socially inclusive programmes, “he stated.
According to him, these programmes mainstream the 17 Global Agenda across communities in Rivers State through the activation of 17 distinct culture arts and creative economy impact festivals to support the Green Blue Economic Growth across the state rot reconciliation, the promotion of our cultural values and the historical heritage that binds us as a people.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, said the importance of tourism to the socio-economic development of the state and prosperity of the people cannot be over- emphasised.
The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Monday Yiimonah, noted that there is a need to expand the frontiers of tourism investment beyond the traditional areas.
“Let me also use this occasion to appeal to the good people of Rivers State to continue to project the traditional peace and hospitality for which Rivers State is known and its people are known”, she said.
She also called on investors in the sector to be more resourceful, innovative and to collaborate and leverage on every available opportunity to promote investments and speedy recovery of the sector.

By: Iragunima Benice