The Plateau State government has said it is re-strategizing, and recommitting itself to boosting the tourism sector such that in the nearest future, tourism will become the primary engine for a sustainable and transformative development of the state.
This was made known at the weekend the Honorable Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality of Plateau State, Cornelius Doeyok, on the Occasion of the 2025 World Tourism Day Celebration in Jos the state capital, with the theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’.
“We are gathered here not just to celebrate, but to reflect, re-strategize, and recommit ourselves to a future where tourism becomes the primary engine for a sustainable and transformative development on the Plateau
“There is an urgent call to action, to move beyond business-as-usual and to re-imagine our entire approach to tourism. It is a clarion call to harness the power of our unique heritage, not as a resource to be depleted, but as a legacy to be nurtured for generations unborn
“The concept of sustainability rests on three interdependent pillars: People, Planet, and Prosperity, and for tourism on the Plateau to be truly transformative, it must excel in all three.
“Our administration, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Governor Caleb Mutfwang, is committed to this sustainable path.
“We are reviewing our tourism master plan to embed sustainability as a core principle, not an afterthought. This includes guidelines for green building in the hospitality industry and incentives for businesses that adopt best practices. We are improving access roads to key: tourist sites but doing so with sensitivity to the environment and local communities.
“Sustainable tourism must actively involve and benefit our local people, it means creating dignified jobs, preserving our rich culture. Again, we are investing in training for our tour guides, hotel staff, and artisans to ensure they are equipped with the skills to deliver world-class, sustainable services
“And with respect to Public-Private-Community Partnerships (PPCPs), we recognize that government cannot do it alone, and so we are actively fostering partnerships that bring together private investment, government oversight, and community ownership.
“To our hospitality operators, I challenge you to reduce single-use plastics, conserve energy and water, and actively promote local culture and products within your establishments. And to our tour operators,design itineraries that include community visits, cultural exchanges, and nature conservation activities. Educate your clients on the importance of being responsible tourists.
“And to every citizen of Plateau State, you are our first and most important ambassadors. Take pride in our cleanliness, our culture, and our hospitality. A warm smile to a visitor is the first step in sustainable tourism,” he said.
In his remarks, General Manager Plateau Tourism Corporation, Chuwang Pwajok, called on the private sector to partner with them in the tourism sector in the state as government alone cannot do it, even though it has taken the bold step to transform the sector and is committed to it.
He said there is no doubt that Plateau State is the home of peace and tourism, and that if you take tour round the state and Jos the capital, anyone will see what the tourism potentials in the state, baked by the good weather and natural scenaries.
And so, he said, they will use the abundant natural endowment in the state to boost the tourism sector.
Highlight of the event was different cultural displays, dances and music, traditional mouth-watering cuisines, speeches, among others.