‘South East needs right investment, structured promotion, strong partnerships to grow tourism’

With many feats trialing his efforts at growing tourism in the country, particularly in the South-East of Nigeria, Wilson Uche has now become a voice and advocate for the tourism industry in the region. Uche, who is the second vice president, Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), recently added another feather to his shining crown, with his emergence as the vice president, South East, Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN). In this interview, Uche shares with Obinna Emelike, his passion, interest in tourism, why the industry should be taken serious in the South-East, the Alaigbo Amaka project, how his position at FTAN will impact his zone, why investors should look to the Eastern corridor now, among other related industry issues. OBINNA EMELIKE brings the excerpt:

Congratulations once again on your victory at the FTAN election. What is your view on tourism in the South East?

Thank you very much for the felicitation. Tourism in the South East of Nigeria holds very huge potential. Our region is blessed with rich cultural heritage, historic landmarks, natural attractions, vibrant festivals, and known to hold warm hospitality. What is needed now is the right investment, structured promotion, and strong partnerships between the government, private sector, and communities.

As the vice president, South East, FTAN, my focus is while localizing Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM), which means to drive collaboration, to also push for enabling policies, and showcase the South East as not just a tourism destination within Nigeria, but one that can attract regional and international visitors. Tourism here should not only be about leisure—it must be a driver of economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation.

What are the potential to draw both tourists and investors?

The South East holds immense potential for both tourism and investment. We are blessed with rich cultural heritage—vibrant festivals, masquerades, music, and dances—our region offers unique experiences that attract visitors and fuel events tourism. Natural and historic attractions like Awhum and Ngwo caves, waterfalls, lakes, hills, and colonial landmarks further enrich its appeal.

Our hospitality and entertainment sectors are fast expanding while not forgetting that our region remains the home for Nollywood and has churned out a lot of world-class artists including; Flavour, Phyno, among others, supported by modern hotels, resorts, and nightlife. With the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, ensuring easy access, the region is open to both domestic and international visitors.

Again, strong diaspora and religious tourism continue to drive steady inflows, while increasing government commitment and private sector involvement are positioning the South East as a hub where tourism thrives and investments create lasting value.

Of course, the region is one of the least heard and visited in terms of tourism in the country, why and what are the efforts at tackling the challenge?

Anyways, it depends on how you are seeing it. If one says that the South East remains one of the least heard and visited regions in terms of tourism in Nigeria, then this is largely due to years of under-promotion, inadequate investment in infrastructure, and the absence of coordinated tourism development policies. Insecurity perceptions have also played a role in discouraging visitors.

However, efforts are now underway to change this narrative. Our governments are showing stronger commitment by upgrading infrastructure, improving security, and promoting landmark projects such as world-class conference centres around the region, the revival of then moribund Hotel Presidential Enugu, among others. Through FTAN, we are fostering partnerships with the private sector, diaspora communities, and international bodies to increase visibility and investment. We are also working on structured branding of the South East as a unique destination—leveraging our culture, natural attractions, and festivals. With better collaboration and promotion, the region will soon take its rightful place as a major tourism hub in Nigeria and West Africa.

Now that you are the vice president of FTAN, South East Zone, how are you going to use that position to boost tourism in the zone?

As FTAN Vice President (South East), my plan is to boost tourism through strong partnerships with government and private sector, better promotion of our culture and attractions, capacity building for practitioners, and driving investments into hospitality and entertainment. My goal is to reposition the South East as a true destination of choice, not just a transit point in line with the Tourism Transformation Mandate (TTM).

In your view, which state in the zone is making an effort at positioning tourism as a huge revenue earner and what can other states do to collaborate such efforts in the zone?

Truly I am supposed not to be seen as favoring a particular state as my role requires that I am very neutral, though in my personal opinion, Enugu State is currently making the most visible effort at positioning tourism as a major revenue earner. With projects like the revival of Hotel Presidential, investment in infrastructure, and the governor’s clear commitment to making Enugu a preferred destination, the state is setting the pace.

Other states in the South East can collaborate by creating complementary tourism products—such as cultural festivals, eco-tourism, and heritage sites—while aligning with a regional tourism calendar. By working together under a unified South East tourism brand, maybe under the South East Development Commission, the states can share resources, attract bigger investments, and position the zone as one of Nigeria’s leading tourism hubs.

Many are excited with Governor Peter Mbah’s strides in infrastructural development, especially in tourism, are they beginning to yield results and how can the feats be sustained?

No doubt, Governor Peter Mbah’s strides in infrastructure, especially in tourism, are already attracting top events including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Convention with over 10,000 participants, boosting hospitality, and deployment of modern means of fighting insecurity thereby restoring investor confidence. To sustain these gains therefore, the state government must maintain policy consistency, strengthen public-private partnerships, further improve on security, invest more in promoting destination branding, involve communities, and uphold a strong maintenance culture.

Considering that major investors in the tourism industry in Nigeria are from the South East, are there efforts to persuade them to push their investments to the zone?

Yes, many of the major investors in Nigeria’s tourism industry are indeed from the South East, just like in every other sector. But a good number of their investments are located outside the region. Through FTAN, we are engaging these investors and encouraging them to redirect part of their capital back home in an initiative to be developed called ALAIGBO AMAKA. The idea is to show them that the South East is now creating an enabling environment—improved infrastructure, government commitment, and growing market opportunities—that guarantees returns on investment. We are also working to build confidence by promoting regional collaboration, showcasing viable projects, and creating platforms where investors can partner with state governments. The ultimate goal is to make our region not just the origin of investors, but also the destination where their investments thrive.

Do you also think that the zone needs collaborations with other zones to grow its tourism?

Definitely tourism does not thrive in isolation. Visitors often prefer circuits or packaged experiences that allow them to explore multiple destinations within one trip. Of course, this creates room for shared infrastructure and joint marketing. Collaborative investments in road networks, rail connections, and promotional campaigns thereby reducing costs while expanding reach. The South East offers rich culture, festivals, and natural attractions, other zones bring complementary experiences such as safaris, coastal beaches, desert landscapes, and vibrant city life. Together, they present Nigeria’s diversity and make the country more competitive on the global tourism stage. Moreover, partnerships with neighboring states enhance security and stability—critical factors in attracting international tourists and investors.

Is insecurity really a threat to tourism in the South East?

Yes, insecurity remains the biggest challenge to tourism in the South East, just as it is in many parts of Nigeria. Safety is always a top priority for tourists, and even the perception of insecurity can automatically discourage visitors and investors. However, it is important to note that governments in the region are taking steps to improve security and restore confidence. With stronger collaboration between security agencies, communities, and the private sector, the situation will gradually improve.

At FTAN, we also emphasize responsible tourism—showcasing safe destinations, promoting group travel, and building trust. Once people see and experience that our attractions are secure, the negative perception will fade, and tourism will flourish.

Why are international hotel brands and airlines not coming to the zone?

The near absence of many international hotel brands and airlines in the South East is not because the region lacks potential—it is mainly due to issues of infrastructure, market confidence, and perception. Global brands and carriers look for steady demand, strong transport connectivity, favorable policies, and assurance of security before they commit. For years, these factors were either weak or underdeveloped in the zone.

However, things are beginning to change. With the upgrade of the Enugu International Airport, renewed investments in hospitality, and stronger government commitment, the South East is becoming more attractive. Our role in FTAN in collaboration with the government is to continue engaging these global players for possible investments, showcasing the market opportunities, and assuring them that the region is open and ready for business. Once they see consistency in policy, infrastructure, and demand, we will start to welcome more international brands and airlines into the zone.

Where do you see tourism in the zone in the next five years?

In the next five years, I see tourism in the South East emerging as one of Nigeria’s strongest growth sectors. With the current infrastructural renewal, the revival of historic landmarks, and stronger government-private sector collaboration, the zone will no longer be one of the least visited, but a major destination of choice. We expect to see more international-standard hotels, increased diaspora tourism, structured tour packages, and stronger connectivity through Enugu International Airport. If the present momentum is sustained, tourism will not only boost our cultural visibility but also become a key driver of jobs, revenue, and regional pride.