The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar( Unical), Prof. Florence Obi has said that the institution is always eager and ready to participate in tourism-related activities within and outside Cross River State.

Prof. Obi stated this when the Youth in Tourism Initiative in Nigeria( YITIN) paid her a courtesy call at the Council Chambers of the institution recently.

Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Eno Grace Nta, the Vice Chancellor said the University will always embrace tourism with open arms, as well as, be at the forefront of the promotion of tourism-related activities as it is a critical sector of the nation's economy.

 

She said since Cross River State is touted as a tourism hub in Nigeria, the institution will key into the tourism disposition of the state, adding that, "The University of Calabar is very eager to get involved in any tourism activities and has always had that tourism spirit that will help to promote tourism in the institution and the State in general".

While pledging her unalloyed support to the forthcoming Youth in Tourism Forum scheduled to be held in Calabar, she added that the programme which is a yearly ritual is timely especially as Cross River State is on the verge of repositioning the tourism sector.

She urged YITIN to identify and work with critical stakeholders in the tourism sector in the tasks of promoting and bringing back the tourism potential of Cross River State.

Earlier, the representative of YITIN, Eld. Etta Agbo said the purpose of their visit was to inform the Vice Chancellor of the forthcoming event billed for December this year, as well as, seek her support.

He said the event-themed 'Youths in Tourism Development" is targeted at promoting youth participation in tourism to unlock the 'hidden treasures' in the tourism sector.

Elder Agbor said YITIN is also poised to complement government and private agency's concerted efforts in the development and promotion of tourism across states of the federation.

He disclosed that YITIN is already in a robust partnership with the Nigeria Tourism Development Authority( NTA) to promote youth participation in tourism Development

According to him, YITIN also has the backing of the Cross River State Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Federation of Tourism Associations and the Cross River State Tourism Bureau.

He said delegates will be allowed to participate in various activities that will hone skills and understanding in tourism products design, development and implementation, deploying breakout sessions and discussions designed to harness opportunities in tourism for socioeconomic and political gains as against social vices, cultism, banditry and terrorism.