The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Mayor of Housing, aimed at enhancing tourism and entertainment to stimulate the local economy and improve the ease of doing business in Rivers State.
Key Highlights:
Partnership Announcement:
– Yibo Koko, Director General of RSTDA: Announced the partnership with My-Ace China, CEO of Housing and Construction Limited, during a recent event in Port Harcourt. Koko emphasized the initiative’s goal to support the state government’s efforts to revive the economy by leveraging tourism and entertainment sectors.
Low Hanging Fruits Initiative:
– This initiative is designed to capitalize on immediate opportunities to boost the state’s economy. Koko noted that the Mayor of Housing had demonstrated the capacity and willingness to contribute to reinventing the state’s economy.
Involvement of Financial Institutions:
– Koko revealed that several banks had shown interest in partnering with the agency to realize the tourism objectives set by Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. This partnership is expected to enhance the state’s economic summit outcomes and creative arts initiatives.
Impact of Positive Narratives:
– Koko addressed the issue of negative online reputations shaped by artificial intelligence algorithms that frequently highlight adverse news. He stressed the importance of deliberately promoting the many positive aspects of Rivers State to reverse this trend.
Mayor of Housing’s Perspective:
– My-Ace China: Expressed excitement about the partnership and shared his initial skepticism about Port Harcourt due to its negative image. However, upon experiencing the city’s peace, hospitality, and business potential firsthand, he became a strong advocate for its positive narrative.
Economic and Business Potential:
– China highlighted the untapped opportunities in Port Harcourt, particularly in the housing sector, where he found significantly less competition compared to Abuja. His successful ventures in the city underscore the potential for other entrepreneurs to thrive.
Focus on Creative Industries:
– China chose to invest in the comedy industry as a starting point to promote Port Harcourt, sponsoring events and supporting local talents to change the city’s narrative.
Future Goals:
The partnership aims to restore the vibrancy of Port Harcourt, known as the Garden City, by driving wealth creation through tourism and entertainment. The state government is focused on enabling entrepreneurs and investors to lead economic growth and development, leveraging the rich cultural and business potential of Rivers State.
This collaboration between RSTDA and the Mayor of Housing marks a significant step towards repositioning Rivers State as a hub for tourism, entertainment, and business, promising a brighter and more prosperous future for the region.
