Governor Bassey Otu has stated that Cross River State is ready to host the tourism world at this year's Carnival Calabar International Festival. Otu, who made the assertion, Sunday, while flagging off the third carnival dry run at the Millennium Park in Calabar, said the State has concluded preparations for the 2023 edition of the carnival as seen from the massive dry runs. He posited that the booking of all hotels in Calabar was an indication that tourists and fun seekers were ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Africa's biggest street party.
The Governor welcomed tourists and visitors worldwide to the 2023 Carnival, pointing out that their time in the State will allow them to enjoy the hospitality of Calabar as the real tourism destination in Nigeria. Otu averred that the theme of this year's carnival, "Season of Sweetness," vividly captures all other themes of the celebration from inception.
Speaking on the choice of the theme, the Governor said, "After a tough season comes a period where people will smile, and this represents that season."This particular theme came as a result of almost all the other themes which capture the carnival from inception."After COVID-19, there was a total breakdown and people were so disillusioned."
After that, the Carnival has been trying to pick up and never really picked up."Whether people like it it not, after a season of very tough situations, hunger and other things 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 said.
The third dry run which signalled the end of preparations for the carnival celebrations, was graced by a former Minister of Culture and Tourism, High Chief Edem Duke, members of the State Executive Council, among other dignitaries.
By Akam Victor
