Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has reiterated the state’s readiness to host the tourism world at this year’s Carnival Calabar International Festival.

Otu, who made the assertion, yesterday, while flagging-off the Third Carnival Dry Run at the Millennium Park, 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 are ready for an adventure of a lifetime at Africa’s biggest street party.

The governor welcomed tourists and visitors across the world to the event, pointing out that their time in the state will avail them the opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of Calabar as the real tourism destination in Nigeria.

Otu stated that the theme of this year’s carnival, ‘Season of Sweetness,’ vividly captures 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 other themes, which captures 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.”