The African Travel Commission [ATC] is pleased to announce the Cross River State Tourism Bureau's admission as an affiliate member, effective immediately.

This admission marks an important step toward strengthening 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 affiliation was facilitated through engagements between the ATC and the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, under the leadership of its Managing Director, Mr. John Atsu, whose engagement with the Commission helped advance the process towards formal membership.

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.

Cross River State is one of Nigeria's notable tourism destinations, with attractions and events that include the annual Calabar Carnival, cultural festivals, rich natural heritage and ecotourism opportunities. Its admission into the ATC is expected to strengthen efforts to position the state as a competitive destination within Africa's growing tourism market.

The African Travel Commission, established in 1965 by African national tourism organisation leaders, is committed to advancing tourism development across Africa through marketing, research and advocacy. The Commission works to encourage cooperation among national tourism organisations, government agencies, tourism boards, private-sector operators and other stakeholders to unlock the continent's tourism potential.

Commenting on the admission, Dr. Lucky Onoriode George, Executive Director of the African Travel Commission, said the inclusion of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau reflected the Commission's commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive African tourism network.

He noted that collaboration with subnational tourism institutions was essential to expanding destination visibility, encouraging tourism investment, strengthening regional connectivity and creating opportunities for local communities and tourism businesses.

The Commission expressed confidence that the partnership would provide a platform for Cross River State to engage more actively in continental tourism initiatives, exchange knowledge and expertise, and explore opportunities for international promotion and strategic partnerships.

The admission also reinforces the ATC's broader commitment to bringing African tourism stakeholders together to address common industry challenges and advance a more integrated, accessible and competitive African tourism economy.

The Cross River State Tourism Bureau's affiliate membership takes effect immediately.

About the African Travel Commission

The African Travel Commission [ATC] is a pan-African tourism organisation established in 1965 to promote cooperation and the development of tourism across Africa. Its work focuses on marketing, research and advocacy, with the objective of strengthening tourism as a driver of economic growth, employment, investment and regional integration.

Media Contact

Office of the Executive Director
African Travel Commission [ATC]
Website: www.africantravelcommission.org
Email: executive.director@africantravelcommission.org