Sustainable Tourism Development in Cross River State: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

Tourism is currently one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries. It accounted for 10% of global GDP or US$4.7 trillion in 2000. Its development in Nigeria has undergone a gradual and progressive evolution. It is one of the six priority sectors in the Nigerian economic development agenda. In Cross River State, tourism and Agriculture remain the two pillars of the State government’s economic development
aspirations. The Cross River State Tourism Bureau established in 2003 is responsible for the handling of all matters relating to tourism development in the State, which is blessed with both natural and manmade tourist attractions, among which are Mary Slessor’s Residence in Odukpani, Amazing Grace Marina at Freedom Bay Calabar, Tinapa and Calabar Free Trade Zones, Agbokim Waterfalls, Obudu Cattle Ranch with the
longest cable car in West Africa, the Cross River National Park, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary, among others. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of many projects in the State has not been carried out. Long term use of many of these tourist sites may result in negative impacts on the ecosystem that justified the creation of the resorts in the first place. Benefits accruing to local communities have not been substantial. It was
recommended that EIA be carried out in all the tourist sites to avoid the consequences of overuse of the resources. Public enlightenment campaigns, seminars and workshops should be organized for the benefit of local communities, who should also be provided with micro credit facilities to invest in the tourism industry.