The Chairman, Edo State house standing committee on Arts, Culture and Tourism, honourable Destiny Enabulele, has said his committee will encourage and promote bills and policies that would drive the tourism sector in line with the current administration's drive for diversification through oversight functions.

He revealed this during an exclusive interview with Super FM on the sidelines of the inauguration of the committee at the Anthony Enahoro Complex, Benin City.

Enabulele said Edo state is blessed with rich cultural heritage, hence the need to harness its potentials and open its historical sites to the world.

He said the committee had already interfaced with the ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism, where they charted the way forward.

He is optimistic that through new initiatives and policies, tourism will play a significant role in economic development of the state.