The Bauchi State Tourism Board says it has adopted video surveillance to intensify security across all its existing attraction sites, guard against trespass and ensure the safety of visitors.

Nasir Yusuf, the board’s general manager, stated this on Friday in Bauchi. The board will soon engage security outfits to man the Yankari Game Reserve and other attraction sites to protect and conserve wildlife and visitors.

Mr Yusuf explained that the measure would also check the activities of hunters, poachers, and animal grazing. He added that the board would collaborate with security agencies to train its staff, especially rangers and those permanently domiciled in the sites, to enhance 24-hour surveillance.

He further disclosed that the board would upgrade the tourism sites by installing CCTVs, internet facilities and ensure uninterrupted power and water supply.

“We are planning to upgrade the status of the Yankari Game Reserve to a three-star status to improve our revenue generation drive,” he said.

Mr Yusuf said the board was collaborating with the Wild Life Conservation Society (WCS) to ensure wildlife safety in the Yankari Game Reserve.

He mentioned that the board was also considering a public-private partnership (PPP) to promote tourism activities further and boost the state’s revenue base.

According to him, the state will organise series of events to showcase its tourism potentials as part of activities to mark September 27, World Tourism Day.

Tourism sites in Bauchi, apart from the Yankari Game Reserve in Alkaleri, include Sumu Wild Life Park in Ganjuwa and the First European Settlement in Itas Gadau, the Panshanu Stone in Toro, Babban Gwani Monument in Ganjuwa, Shira Hill in Shira, and Bula Rock in Dass and Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Tomb, Bauchi.

(NAN)