JALINGO — Taraba State is preparing for a major celebration of World Tourism Day 2026, with plans to host UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers, inaugurate a committee for the proposed enlistment of heritage sites and flag off the construction of the Mambilla Hills Resort.
The activities are being coordinated by the Taraba State Ministry of Heritage and Ecotourism as part of the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas’ efforts to promote the state’s cultural heritage, ecotourism assets and investment potential.
World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on September 27, providing countries and destinations with an opportunity to highlight the contribution of tourism to economic growth, cultural preservation and sustainable development.
One of the major activities planned for Taraba is the hosting of UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers, following approval for the programme.
The celebration is also expected to provide a platform for the official inauguration of a committee that will work towards the proposed enlistment of qualified heritage sites in Taraba State for UNESCO World Heritage recognition.
The initiative could strengthen efforts to identify, document, preserve and internationally promote significant cultural and natural heritage assets across the state.
Another major highlight is the expected flag-off by Governor Kefas of the construction of the Mambilla Hills Resort at Tunga SGEN, a tourism development project intended to strengthen the position of the Mambilla Plateau as a major destination for domestic and international visitors.
The Mambilla Plateau, known for its mountainous landscape, cool climate and distinctive cultural and natural attractions, has long been regarded as one of Taraba’s major tourism assets.
Ahead of the celebration, Commissioner for Heritage and Ecotourism, Dr. Joseph Titus Nagombe, led officials and key stakeholders of the ministry to a strategic meeting with chairmen of the state’s Local Government Areas at the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Jalingo.
The engagement was aimed at bringing the 16 Local Government Areas into the planning process and ensuring that communities across Taraba have an opportunity to showcase their cultural, historical and tourism assets during the celebration.
The ministry said the planned activities reflect the Kefas administration’s renewed emphasis on heritage preservation and ecotourism as potential drivers of economic development, investment and job creation.
With attractions stretching from the Mambilla Plateau to diverse cultural festivals, landscapes and historical sites across its local governments, Taraba is expected to use World Tourism Day 2026 to strengthen the visibility of its tourism potential.
The combination of UNESCO-related activities and the proposed Mambilla Hills Resort project could make this year’s celebration particularly significant for the state’s efforts to transform its tourism assets into sustainable economic opportunities.
