Landmark Group, renowned for its premier leisure and hospitality ventures, has announced a strategic partnership with the Rivers State Government to redevelop the historic Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a world-class leisure, hospitality, and tourism destination.
Elsie Ogianyo, Brand and Corporate Communications Manager for Landmark Group, confirmed the acquisition of waterfront land in Port Harcourt for this ambitious project. CEO Paul Onwuanibe expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to create unmatchable and unforgettable leisure experiences in Port Harcourt by bringing our international expertise in providing services and local expertise from Lagos in providing waterfront leisure experiences.”
The redevelopment is slated to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with phased completions expected to begin by the fourth quarter of the same year. This initiative aims to rejuvenate the once-popular tourist site, enhancing its appeal to both local and international visitors.
Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, has expressed full support for the project, emphasizing its potential to transform the state into a leading tourism destination in Africa.
The project is anticipated to significantly impact the local economy by creating direct and indirect employment opportunities, fostering the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthening the local supply chain. Additionally, it is expected to diversify internally generated revenue (IGR) for Rivers State, thereby boosting regional economic development.
This development follows Landmark Group’s recent announcement to relocate its Nigerian headquarters and expand operations into two other African countries and three Nigerian states, a move prompted by the April 2024 demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos, which resulted in an estimated loss of $80 million. Onwuanibe cited this setback as a catalyst for the company’s diversification strategy.
The Landmark Port Harcourt Leisure Resort is set to be the first of several prime tourism destinations that Landmark Group plans to develop across West Africa, with half of these located in Nigeria. The company’s broader vision is to establish a network of iconic leisure destinations throughout the region, promoting intra-Africa tourism and showcasing the continent’s untapped tourism potential.
This strategic initiative underscores Landmark Group’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s tourism landscape and contributing to the socio-economic growth of Rivers State and the broader West African region.
