President of the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr Nkereuwem Onung, has declared AkwaIbom as the ‘New Spirit of Tourism in Nigeria.’

Speaking during a pre-World Tourism Day (WTD) dinner hosted by the management of Ibom Air for FTAN delegation in Akwa Ibom, Mr Onung introduced the state as the new spirit of tourism in Nigeria going by the ‘giant strides the state government and people are making to position it as the ultimate destination for tourists.’

Onung, who also doubles as the Special Adviser to Governor Umo Eno on Tourism further urged the delegation to trend the news by creating a hashtag for it on their various social media handles.

The brief ceremony had the Group Manager, Marketing and Communications (GMMC), Ibom Air, Ms Annie Essienette, who apologised to the delegation for the hitches encountered in flight arrangements to Uyo, the state capital for the WTD celebrations, also assured of the company’s readiness to ensure a comfortable stay and return trip back home.

The airline’s GMMC also supervised the distribution of gift items to members of the delegation, as part of the fun event, which was done alongside the president of the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Mrs Ime Udo.

The pre-WTD dinner also had in attendance a representative of the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Tourism, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, as well as NATOP and FTAN coordinators in the state.