The Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) has lauded the Enugu State Government for its strong commitment to developing the tourism sector through a significant investment of over ₦13.7 billion.

Mr. Wilson Uche Ugwu, the Second Deputy National President of ATPN, emphasized the potential for increased revenue and overall development during a recent meeting with the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism. This funding is part of a broader strategy to establish Enugu as a center for international conferences and improve infrastructure.

Enugu State has made notable strides in its tourism development efforts, completing the long-awaited Enugu International Conference Centre, constructing a new hotel nearby, and renovating an adjacent hospital. The state also has plans to upgrade its public transportation network by developing new bus stations and roads, alongside preparations for the launch of ‘Enugu Air’—an ambitious initiative aimed at positioning the state as a major aviation hub in the South East.

Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke, outlined a phased tourism development plan that includes projects like the Awhum Waterfall, the Nsude Pyramid—featuring Nigeria’s longest canopy walkway—and the Ngwo Pine Forest, home to the country’s first zipline.

Other attractions in the pipeline include the Cross of Hope in Okpatu, the Akwuke/Atakkwu Waterpark, and the Ovu Lake Golf and Resort. These projects are designed to offer immersive visitor experiences while promoting sustainability through features such as experience centers, food courts, and renewable energy infrastructure.

With new tour buses soon to be introduced, Enugu is positioning itself as a top-tier destination for both domestic and international tourists.