Calabar, Cross River State, witnessed an important moment for Nigeria’s travel and hospitality industry with the official unveiling of Tourism and Hospitality Magazine. The launch ceremony was held at the newly completed Gemba Hotel and Resort, a luxury destination developed by hospitality entrepreneur Dr. Joe Enobong.
The event brought together government officials, industry leaders, tourism advocates, and prominent figures from the entertainment sector. The choice of venue reflected the magazine’s focus on celebrating emerging hospitality investments and tourism infrastructure across Nigeria.
Dr. Joe Enobong, who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Gemba Hotel and Resort and Parcel Marts Solutions, was one of the central figures highlighted during the launch. His hospitality project in Calabar represents a significant private investment in the region’s tourism ecosystem. The newly opened resort combines luxury accommodation, leisure facilities, and entertainment spaces designed to attract both local and international visitors.
Located in the Parliamentary Extension area of Calabar, Gemba Hotel and Resort was designed as a full lifestyle destination. The facility features multiple swimming pools, a cinema, gaming areas, fine dining restaurants, spa services, lounge bars, and outdoor relaxation spaces. According to its promoters, the resort aims to strengthen Calabar’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most attractive tourism cities, particularly during cultural events and festivals that draw visitors to Cross River State.
The launch of Tourism and Hospitality Magazine aligns with a broader effort to spotlight individuals and businesses shaping Africa’s travel economy. The publication focuses on tourism development, hospitality innovation, cultural destinations, and the entrepreneurs building sustainable ventures across the continent.
By dedicating a major feature to Dr. Joe Enobong and the development of Gemba Hotel and Resort, the magazine highlights the growing role of private sector investment in revitalizing tourism infrastructure in Nigeria. Industry observers believe projects like Gemba will help reposition Calabar as a preferred destination for conferences, leisure travel, and entertainment tourism.
The ceremony also attracted several dignitaries from government and the entertainment industry. Among the guests were Nollywood stars such as Funke Akindele, Timini Egbuson, Uzee Usman, as well as comic actor duo Chinedu Ikedieze and Osita Iheme, popularly known as Aki and Pawpaw. Their presence added a cultural and entertainment dimension to the event and reflected the close relationship between Nigeria’s creative industry and its tourism sector.
Beyond celebrating new hospitality investments, the launch also served as a platform to discuss the future of tourism in Nigeria. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships between government and private investors in expanding tourism infrastructure, improving visitor experience, and positioning Nigerian destinations competitively within the global travel market.
With its inaugural edition now released, Tourism and Hospitality Magazine sets out to document the people, places, and projects shaping Africa’s travel landscape. The feature on Dr. Joe Enobong and Gemba Hotel and Resort stands as an early example of the kind of stories the publication aims to tell: stories of ambition, investment, and the growing confidence in Africa’s tourism potential.
