From Magnus Eze, Enugu

Enugu State Government has said tourism would be a major revenue earner for the Governor Peter Mbah-led administration in the state.

Executive Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board, Rita Mbah, stated this at a press briefing, shortly after she assumed office in Enugu, yesterday.

As part of its strategy, Mbah disclosed that the Board would roll out a 12-month cultural and tourism calendar beginning from this year’s Christmas.

She declared that the Board was poised to partner any relevant body in developing the tourism sites and resources that would end up making Enugu the preferred destination of tourists.

Explaining that the State Government cannot go it alone, she said that the Board will be reaching out to sector leaders in the creative, cultural and hospitality industries.

She also said that they would reach out to community leaders, traditional rulers, the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the hotels as well as the retail and finance industries for robust collaboration.

According to her, the main objective is to focus on destination marketing to reposition Enugu tourism by creating a positive destination identity for Destination Enugu.

Emphasising that Enugu was fully open for business, the tourism boss said they intend to partner locally and globally with festival promoters, production companies, talent management companies, fashion brands, cultural and movie festival producers.

“We intend to animate our story to define our 042 brand as well as partner with broadcasters and media agencies to market our State and bring Enugu to the limelight.

“My intention is to drive collaboration with all agencies at the heart of our over-reaching strategy.

“So, we are poised to work with stakeholders across the value chain to achieve our goal while being resolute in our resolve to brand and sell Destination Enugu to the world.

“In this regard, therefore, we want to digitize our cultural heritage and tourist sites to become more discoverable and ensure access for local and international tourism,” she stated.