The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Delta chapter, has called on the state government to prioritize tourism development by ensuring a Sustainable Tourism Master Plan for the State.
Speaking at an event to mark the 2025 World Tourism Day, Mr Chibuikem Diala, State Coordinator of FTAN, emphasised that a master plan is essential for sustainable growth.
In a statement Duala, personally signed and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Asaba, added that the master plan would help the state map out its tourism assets, define sustainable practices, and set clear investment priorities.
He said , “a master plan will help the State map out its tourism assets, define sustainable practices, set clear investment priorities, and ensure benefits reach youth and local communities without sacrificing culture or the environment.”
Diala emphasised that “Delta is leaving value and money on the table” by underutilisng its tourism assets.”
He noted that Delta is underutilising its tourism assets, which include cultural treasures like the Ukwata Abii Festival, Tigboti Dance, and Adane-Okpe Masquerade, as well as the Ethiope River and the Lander Brothers Anchorage/Mungo Park Museum among others.
”A well-developed tourism industry can create green jobs, boost Gross Domestic Products (GDP), and attract foreign exchange, transforming Delt State into a global tourism hub, ” he said.
Diala emphasised that Delta’s true wealth lied in its people and culture, with the potential to create world-class heritage attractions and global showcases of African history, culture, and performance.
He noted that intentional development of key products and festivals could transform the State into a global tourism hub.
He highlighted Delta cultural treasures such as the Ukwata Abii Festival, Tigboti Dance, and Adane-Okpe Masquerade, along with the Ethiope River (including the source at Umuaja), as strategic opportunities for creating green jobs, boosting GDP, and attracting foreign exchange.
“Right here in Asaba, we have the Lander Brothers Anchorage/Mungo Park Museum, a historic site that tells the story of the explorers who first traced the River Niger.
”With the right investment and connection to the nearby Arcade Event Centre, it could become a world-class heritage attraction.
”Beyond landmarks, Delta’s true wealth lies in its people and culture: the elegance of Anioma festivals, dances, and cuisine.
”The regal maritime heritage of the Itsekiri; and the rich folklore and masquerades of the Urhobo, with festivals like Owhorhu, Idju, and Iyeri.
”With vision, these living traditions can be transformed into global showcases of African history, culture, and performance.
”Our cultures; Anioma, Itsekiri, Urhobo, and Ijaw are living museums.
”With vision and sustainability approaches, they can be built into world-recognised tourism brands.
”That is transformation. That is tourism that is sustainably transformed,” he said.
The FTAN pledged to work with the State Directorate of Culture and Tourism to build capacity across the hospitality and tourism value chain.
It also pledged to advocate for policies that prioritised sustainability in tourism growth, link Delta to global and regional partners, such as UNWTO, GSTC, and ECOWAS, to align with international standards.
Diala also highlighted that the idea of marking World Tourism Day was originally proposed by a Deltan, Late Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi.
He urged the State government to immortalize Atigbi’s legacy by naming an iconic site after him and pushing for the UNWTO to host a future edition of World Tourism Day in Delta State in his honour.
NAN reports the the event was declared open by the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Darlington Ijeh, who was represented by the Mr Kennedy Nwabeze, Director of Administration in the ministry.
NAN reports that FTAN, is the umbrella body for Nigeria’s tourism private sector, working to strengthen partnerships, build capacity, and advocate for policies that drive tourism as a key contributor to national development.
