In a boost to regional tourism development, the African Travel Commission (ATC) has officially admitted the Cross River State Tourism Bureau as an affiliate member, effective immediately.
The partnership is aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration, promoting intra-African travel and positioning Cross River State as a premier destination for both regional and international visitors.
In a statement announcing the decision, the ATC said that the admission marks “an important step towards enhancing institutional collaboration between the African Travel Commission and tourism development agencies across the continent, particularly in promoting intra-African travel, destination marketing, tourism investment and sustainable tourism development.”
The formal affiliation follows extensive engagements with the Cross River State Tourism Bureau under the leadership of its Managing Director, John Atsu, whose strategic vision helped drive the process to completion.
Under the new status, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau gains direct access to regional networks, cross-border partnerships and investment initiatives.
“As an affiliate member, the Cross River State Tourism Bureau will have the opportunity to collaborate with the ATC on programmes and initiatives aimed at advancing Africa’s tourism industry, facilitating partnerships between public- and private-sector stakeholders and promoting African destinations to regional and international markets,” the Commission stated.
Cross River State remains one of Nigeria’s foremost tourism hubs, celebrated globally for the annual Calabar Carnival, its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural landscapes and expansive ecotourism offerings.
The ATC noted that incorporating Cross River into its network will further elevate the state’s visibility and help consolidate its competitive edge within Africa’s expanding tourism market.
