VC to UNICAL Department Of Tourism: "you are well positioned to lead Nigeria's tourism sector"

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar ( Unical), Prof. Florence Obi says the institution's Department of Tourism is well positioned to lead the country's tourism sector, Myschoolnews report.

Prof. Obi stated this during the Maiden Edition of 'World Tourism Day' and the Conference of the Department of Tourism studies tagged " Rethinking Tourism " held at the Cross River Community Town Hall, Unical.

The Vice-Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof Angela Oyo-ita expressed confidence in the capacity of the Department to harness the rich potential in the tourism sector adding, "You have a lot to offer to the institution, State and the nation. There are talents to sell out that can attract people to learn from them.

" It has become expedient to ' rethink tourism because a lot is expected from you. It is time to think of how best you can attract resources and showcase it to the world to see."

This came as she urged the Department to come up with Research findings that will help the country's tourism sector grow.

While commending the tourism Department for organizing the conference, she advocated that students be encouraged to do paper presentations at such conferences, saying it will boost the worth of the department.

In an earlier remark, the Head of Department of Tourism, Unical, Dr Linus  Akeh said the Department deemed it fit to organize the conference, as well as, mark the World Tourism Day due to the strategic importance of Tourism to the socio-economic development of the country.

Dr Akeh stated that as academics, they will not just mark the day but would create a platform where academics can participate fully.

He applauded the Vice Chancellor for her unalloyed support for the Department, adding that, the Department will redouble its efforts towards harnessing the rich potentials in the tourism sector.

The keynote Speaker,  Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Rt Hon. Saviour Enyiekere in his presentation tagged, "The Concept of Tourism; A Critical Rethink', sued for the enhancement of the quality of tourism experiences, support for local enterprises and diversification of tourism products.

Represented by Dr. Prince Charles Omin he said, ' We should critically rethink and reimagine the concept of tourism by sculpting a world where travel enriches lives and preserves the sanctity of our culture and communities."

The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the event, Dr (Mrs) Violet Eneyo commended the Vice Chancellor for providing an enabling environment for the global event to be celebrated on campus. 

Dr Violet Eneyo said that the department will ensure that the study and practice of tourism thrives in the institution and will do all within its reach to elevate it to the excellence.

She urged the students of the institution to be great ambassadors that will make the institution proud on the global stage.

The event also featured a paper presentation by an erudite scholar, Pst Henry Ojone on the topic 'Tourism and Community Service'.

Highpoint of the event were carnival displays and dance presentations by students of the Department.