The Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort is a business and leisure resort located in Cross River State, Nigeria. The resort is located by the Calabar River in Cross River State. The construction of the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort was initiated by former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke. The resort was opened for public use in 2007.
The resort was developed under a Private Public Partnership (PPP) promoted by the Government of Cross River State. The Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort is not far from the Calabar Free Trade Zone.
A Brief History of the Tinapa resort
The Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort was built as a means of generating revenue for the state and boosting tourism. Over 350 million dollars was spent on the initial construction. Since the resort was constructed in four phases, the first phase was inaugurated on April 2, 2007. The resort is ten kilometres outside of Calabar. However, the Federal Government is building a more direct access road to link the resort with the city.
About the Tinapa Free Trade Zone
The Tinapa Free Trade Zone is north of the Calabar Free Trade Zone and was intended to combine business and relaxation. As of May 2022, the legal status of the Tinapa Free Trade Zone is undetermined. The Tinapa Free Trade Zone is owned by the Government of Cross River State but only the Federal Government can operate a Free Trade Zone. In 2009, former Governor, Liyel Imoke appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to remove uncertainty regarding the Tinapa resort’s status as a free trade zone so as to boost investment.
How to get to the Tinapa resort
The Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort is not far from Calabar. As a result, it is easy to locate the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort once you are in Calabar. People also ask when the best time to visit the Tinapa resort is. It is advisable to visit early in the day so as to explore the resort without the hustle and bustle. The resort is usually crowded during festive periods and public holidays. It is best to visit during the off-peak seasons.
Fun things to do at the Tinapa Resort
There are several fun activities to indulge in while at the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort. Some of them are:
1. Visit Nollywood
At the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort, there is a movie production studio popularly referred to as Studio Tinapa or Nollywood. The studio is set to become the most modern film production studio in Nigeria. The studio provides first-class production and post-production support services to both local and foreign films. Television and music producers also use the best equipment in the industry.
2. Visit the water park
The water park located in the Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort offers both adult and children sized pools, a Lazy River, a Wave pool for surfers, thrilling slides and exciting water games. Entry into the water park costs one thousand naira. There is also an artificial tidal lake that feeds from the Calabar river. The Tinapa water park is the perfect spot to have a great time with friends and family.
3. Play games at the arcade
The Tinapa Games Arcade is the perfect place to treat children and teenagers to undiluted fun. Games like Ocean Bomber, Mini Basketball, Ice Hockey and Dodge-em cars are also available at the resort.
4. Visit the entertainment strip
The Tinapa Free Trade Zone and Resort also has an entertainment strip consisting of a casino, an eight-screen digital cinema, intercontinental restaurants, a mini amphitheater and several night clubs and pubs.