Akwa Ibom State Government says it has concluded plans for the provision of infrastructure to accelerate the development of the tourism sector.

Mrs Mary Umanaette, the Chairman of the state Culture and Tourism Board, announced this at the inauguration of the first phase of Precious World Resorts Limited in Eket.

She said that the provision of infrastructure would encourage investors to participate in the economic development of the state.

Umanaette commended the proprietor of the resort for investing in the sector to complement government’s efforts.

She gave assurance that the state government would patronise the resort in its bid to encourage private sector participation in the development of the tourism sector.

“It takes a lot of courage to embark on the development of a multimillion naira tourism edifice of this nature with the potential to stimulate economic development in Eket.

“It is in line with the policies of the tourism friendly policy of Gov. Godswill Akpabio, who has vowed to make infrastructure available to support private investment in the sector to make Akwa Ibom the preferred tourism destination in the country,” she said.

The project was inaugurated by Rev. Ntong Anietie, who represented the President and Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Christian Ekong.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Proprietor of the resort, Mr Sammy Eshiet, had said that relaxation was good for the health of an individual.

Eshiet noted that the resort had facilities to provide affordable recreation and relaxation to all categories of guests.

“We have carefully planned this Resort and we have facilities to take care of all the identified needs of our guests; no matter your age, we have something for everyone.

“Recreation and relaxation are the general needs of everybody and that is why we factored that in making recreational facilities available and at an affordable cost, too,” Eshiet said.

He expressed optimism that the state government’s efforts to boost power supply and improve the security of live and property would help revive the sector and attract tourists and investment to the state.

“Having traveled to many countries in four continents, I can attest to the potential of the hospitality and tourism Industry to accelerate a country’s development and Nigeria cannot be an exception if the enabling environment is created,” he said.