From the soaring plateaus of the mountain tops of Obudu to the Rain forests of Afi, from the Waterfalls of Agbokim and Kwa to the spiralling ex-bow, Cross river (which provides sights sand images of Tinapa business resort, Calabar Marina Resort, Residency Museum and Slave Park along its course), lies a paradise waiting to be explored by the adventurous eco-tourist visiting Cross River State.

In line with the objectives of Governor of the state, Prof. Ben Ayade, to mix business with pleasure while boosting the economy of the state, several facilities including Tinapa Leisure and business Resort sprung up and also exciting, entertaining and enlightening activities are organized and held.

One of such activities is the Calabar Carnival.

The Obudu Mountain Race, which holds annually in the last weekend of November, has also brought international acclaim to the state. The race which covers a distance of 11.25km and at 500ft above sea level is now a major event in the world’s calendar of World Mountain Race Association as well as the International Association of Athletic Federations. This attracts visitors and investors from all over the world to the state leading to generation of revenue which in turn boosts the state’s economy. The hospitality sector which booms with regard to the aforementioned accounts for 5.9% of the State’s GDP. It experiences continuous growth with the increasing trend of seasonal domestic holidays amongst the upper and middle classes in the social strata of Nigeria.

Summarily, Cross River state epitomizes the nation’s linguistic and cultural plurality and is currently the leading tourism state in Nigeria. Cross River state is indeed a haven of beauty and grandeur.