The Rivers State Government has announced plans to host major tourism and leisure events in December, as part of efforts to boost the state's tourism industry. Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Freddy Ndigbara, made this announcement at the 2026 World Tourism Day celebration in Port Harcourt. The events aim to showcase the state's rich cultural heritage and entertainment options.
This year's World Tourism Day celebration had the theme 'Digital agenda and artificial intelligence to redesign tourism,' with a sub-theme of 'providing innovative solutions for tourism development in Rivers State.' Ndigbara emphasized the importance of embracing digital tools to promote the state's tourism potentials. He urged those planning to travel out of the state for leisure to reconsider, as the state is set to offer exciting experiences in December.
Ndigbara highlighted the significance of Artificial Intelligence in the tourism sector, citing its role in personalizing itineraries, smart destination marketing, and virtual tours. He stressed that Rivers State must leverage these digital tools to compete favorably on the global tourism map. The state's rich cultural festivals, vibrant arts, warm hospitality, and scenic riverine landscapes make it a destination of economic promise.
The Rivers State Ministry of Culture and Tourism is working hard to ensure that the state is recognized as a tourism hub. Ndigbara noted that tourism and culture are powerful engines of economic growth, creating jobs for youths, generating revenue for small businesses, and preserving indigenous heritage. The state is also exploring the blue economy, beyond its hydrocarbon production.
Some stakeholders are advocating for a digital mapping of the state's tourism potentials. At the World Tourism Day celebration, they emphasized the need for the state to preserve its rich cultural heritage and develop cultural literacy. Chairman of the occasion, Dr. GoodLife Nmekini, stressed the importance of digitalizing the state's tourism potentials.
The event featured the presentation of awards and prizes to winners of an AI competition. The Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications described the event as a defining moment in the state's history, where culture, geography, and technology converged to chart a new destiny for the state.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards and prizes to AI competition winners, showcasing the state's commitment to innovation and technology in tourism development. With these efforts, Rivers State aims to become a major tourism destination in Nigeria.
Key points
- The Rivers State Government plans to host major tourism and leisure events in December.
- The state is leveraging digital tools and Artificial Intelligence to promote its tourism industry.
- The events aim to showcase the state's rich cultural heritage and entertainment options.