The Landmark Group, a prominent name in leisure and tourism, has partnered with the Rivers State Government to transform the once-vibrant Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a world-class hospitality and tourism destination.
This ambitious redevelopment marks a new chapter for the company, following its controversial challenges in Lagos earlier this year.
In a statement by Elsie Ogianyo, Brand and Corporate Communications Manager for Landmark Group, the company expressed its commitment to creating a premier destination that would restore the legacy of the Port Harcourt waterfront. The announcement came shortly after CEO Paul Onwuanibe disclosed the group’s plans to expand its footprint into two additional African countries and three Nigerian states while relocating its headquarters from Lagos.
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“The Landmark Group has secured waterfront land in Port Harcourt, in partnership with the Rivers State Government, to undertake the redevelopment of the once-popular Port Harcourt Tourist Beach into a world-class leisure, hospitality, and tourism destination,” the statement read.
Onwuanibe conveyed the company’s excitement for the project, emphasizing its aim to combine international expertise with local knowledge to create unparalleled leisure experiences.
“This initiative is about more than just reviving a historic resort. It is about building a lasting legacy that showcases the best of Rivers State, drives socio-economic growth, and establishes the resort as a must-visit destination in Africa,” he said.
Rivers State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Israel Lebura Ngbuelo, lauded the initiative, expressing optimism that it would position the state as a leading tourism hub in Africa.
A New Dawn for Port Harcourt Amid Legacy of Lagos Demolition
The redevelopment of Port Harcourt Tourist Beach represents a fresh start for the Landmark Group after the loss of its flagship Landmark Beach Resort in Lagos. In April 2024, the beach was demolished to make way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
The demolition, which resulted in an estimated $80 million loss for the company, left many stakeholders questioning the government’s decision-making process, particularly its failure to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to the project’s approval.
Onwuanibe criticized the federal government’s handling of the project, noting that the route of the Coastal Road was changed multiple times, with the final decision to cut through the resort coming as a surprise. Despite promises, Landmark Beach Resort said it received no compensation for the demolition, even as other affected properties were reportedly reimbursed.
For Lagos, the loss of Landmark Beach Resort is seen as a significant blow. The beach had become a major draw for both local and international tourists, contributing over N10 billion in taxes annually, according to Onwuanibe. Its removal has left a gaping hole in the state’s tourism offerings and raised concerns among investors about the stability and predictability of government projects.
The uncertain fate of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project further compounds the issue. Critics argue that the federal government lacks the resources and commitment to complete the road within a decade, leaving Lagos with a substantial loss and little to show for it. This has led many to view the demolition as not only shortsighted but also a deterrent to future investors who may fear similar disruptions to their ventures.
Reviving Port Harcourt’s Tourism Potential
Against this backdrop, the redevelopment of the Port Harcourt Tourist Beach takes on even greater significance. Work on the site is set to commence in the first quarter of 2025, with the first phase expected to be completed by the end of the year. The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Rivers State, including job creation, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and an enhanced local supply chain.
Landmark Group envisions the Port Harcourt Leisure Resort as the first of several iconic destinations it plans to develop across West Africa, with half of these projects located in Nigeria. The company hopes to promote intra-Africa tourism and highlight the region’s untapped tourism potential by creating a network of world-class leisure destinations.
While the partnership between Landmark Group and the Rivers State Government is being celebrated as a step toward revitalizing Port Harcourt’s tourism industry, it also raises questions about whether the government will learn from the mistakes made in Lagos. All eyes, especially of investors, are watching to see if the redevelopment achieves its ambitious goals without undue interference.