Cross River State, according to Governor Bassey Otu, is prepared to welcome the travel industry to the Carnival Calabar International Festival this year.
Otu made this known on Sunday as he officially opened the third carnival dry run at Calabar’s Millennium Park. Based on the large-scale dry runs, Otu claimed the State has finished getting ready for the carnival’s 2023 edition.
The idea that all of Calabar’s hotels are booked up suggests that travellers and party animals are prepared for an incredible experience at the largest street party in Africa, according to him.
The Governor greeted travellers from all over the world to the 2023 Carnival, emphasising that during their stay in the State, they would have the chance to experience Calabar’s hospitality, which makes it the authentic Nigerian tourism destination.
According to Otu, the ‘Season of Sweetness’ funfair theme this year perfectly encapsulates every other theme that has been a part of the celebration since its beginning.
The Governor commented on the theme selection, saying, “This symbolises the time of year when people smile after a difficult time.
This specific theme emerged from practically every other theme that depicts the funfair from the beginning.
“There was a complete collapse and a great deal of disillusionment following COVID-19. “The Carnival has been trying to pick up since then, but it never really did.
“Whether people like it or not, there will actually come a season where people are going to smile, and fortunately this is that season and people are going to smile,” the governor stated. “People will smile after a season of very tough situation, hunger, and other things.”
Among the dignitaries attending the third dry run, which marked the conclusion of the funfair celebrations’ preparations, were High Chief Edem Duke, a former minister of culture and tourism, and members of the State Executive Council. among other dignitaries
