Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort | Calabar

Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort is an integrated resort located in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. It is designed to combine business, leisure, and tourism in one location, making it a unique destination for both commercial activities and entertainment. The resort is part of the Calabar Free Trade Zone, aiming to boost both the local economy and Nigeria’s tourism industry. It was officially opened in 2007, during the administration of former Governor Donald Duke, who envisioned it as a hub for commerce and leisure.

Key Features and Facilities:

Retail and Wholesale Emporiums:

Tinapa offers over 80,000 square meters of space for retail and wholesale activities. This includes four large emporiums and smaller shops, serving as a significant commercial center. The facilities are meant to attract businesses and traders from all over the region and beyond.

Entertainment and Leisure Amenities:

Water Park: The resort features a water park with various attractions for families and visitors, offering fun-filled water activities such as water slides, pools, and other aquatic entertainment.

Entertainment Strip: This area includes a casino, a digital cinema, an arcade for children, restaurants, nightclubs, and pubs. It is designed to cater to different entertainment needs, with facilities for both adults and families.

Business Facilities:

Exhibition Area: The resort provides a dedicated space for trade exhibitions, conferences, and business meetings. This makes it an ideal location for corporate events, product launches, and networking opportunities.

Film Studios: Tinapa has its own film production studio, supporting the Nigerian movie industry, including local productions for Nollywood.

Hotel Accommodation:

Tinapa houses a 243-room international hotel, classified as a three-star facility, designed to accommodate both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers a variety of amenities, including meeting rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities.

Infrastructure:

The resort is equipped with an independent 24/7 power supply, reliable ICT infrastructure, and robust security measures. These amenities are designed to ensure that guests and businesses have a comfortable and secure experience during their stay.

Historical Context:

Tinapa was developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with significant investments to create a multi-functional complex aimed at driving economic growth and improving tourism in Cross River State.

The development of Tinapa was part of a broader strategy to establish Calabar as a key tourist and business destination in West Africa.

Challenges and Current Status:

Despite its potential, Tinapa has faced significant challenges since its opening. Reports from as early as 2011 highlighted issues with underutilization. Many shops were closed, and the exhibition spaces and film studio were not being fully utilized.

Efforts have been made in recent years to revitalize the resort, including repairs to infrastructure and initiatives aimed at increasing both business and leisure tourism.

Accessibility and Location:

Tinapa is located about 10 kilometers north of Calabar, and it is adjacent to the Calabar Free Trade Zone, making it easily accessible for international and local visitors. The resort is connected by road to the main parts of Calabar, and transportation is available through taxis and buses.

Summary:

Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort is a multi-purpose complex combining business facilities, retail opportunities, and leisure attractions. While it initially struggled to reach its full potential, efforts are ongoing to revitalize the resort. With its wide array of entertainment options, business spaces, and its strategic location within the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Tinapa remains a key attraction in Cross River State. It is a place where both tourists and businesses can converge, making it a distinctive feature of Nigeria's tourism and business landscape.