Tinapa Resort remains one of the most remarkable symbols of tourism development in Cross River State, and its story can hardly be told without acknowledging the vision of a former governor, Donald Duke.
Located in Calabar, the state capital, Tinapa Resort was conceived as a major business and leisure destination. It was designed to serve not only as a tourist attraction but also as a commercial hub capable of stimulating economic growth and positioning Cross River on the global tourism map.
The resort was a flagship project of Governor Donald Duke during his tenure from 1999 to 2007. His administration pursued Tinapa as a strategic investment to boost tourism and expand business opportunities within the state. Duke recognised that although Cross River was an oil-producing state, revenue from oil alone was insufficient to sustain long-term development. As a result, he deliberately invested in tourism as a viable alternative for economic diversification.
Job creation and grassroots development were central to Duke’s agenda. He believed that large-scale projects such as Tinapa would generate employment, encourage local enterprise, and improve the standard of living for the people of Cross River State. He also understood the potential of tourism to attract both local and foreign investment, particularly in the entertainment industry, including Nollywood, and he prioritised the sector accordingly.
Another driving force behind Tinapa was the rich cultural heritage of the Cross River people. Duke sought an avenue to promote indigenous culture and showcase the natural beauty of the state to a global audience. Tinapa was therefore envisioned as a platform for marketing Cross River’s unique identity to the world.
This vision extended beyond Tinapa alone. Duke’s broader plan to transform Cross River into a leading tourism destination also informed investments in other iconic attractions such as the Obudu Cattle Ranch.
However, the resort suffered years of neglect and became entangled in legal disputes. In November 2025, the Cross River State Government successfully repossessed Tinapa Resort from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, marking a turning point in its history.
Today, Tinapa Resort is gradually returning to life. Governor Bassey Otu has described its revival as a new dawn for the state’s economy, with plans to reposition the resort as a hub for trade, tourism, and creative enterprise. The original dream that inspired its creation appears to be rekindled, as the government actively engages investors and strategic partners to revitalise the facility, with a renewed emphasis on transparency and accountability.
Aggressive renovation works are currently underway, including repairs to the water park, monorail, and general landscaping. The government aims to attract both visitors and businesses by leveraging Tinapa’s free trade zone status and its proximity to other major attractions, notably the Obudu Cattle Ranch.
As Tinapa reopens its doors, it stands once again as a testament to visionary leadership and a symbol of renewed hope for tourism-led development in Cross River State.
