Weeks to the 2023 Calabar carnival begins, the state’s governor, Bassey Otu has promised that this year’s edition will be used to further raise the bar for tourism development in the state as well as using it to consolidate on the destination branding element of the annual event.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with global chief executive officers in Lagos, Governor Otu announced that his administration will grant tax holidays to the investors willing to invest in the state, adding that the state targets 20 percent GDP increase from Tourism and other sectors of the economy this year.

“Your presence here speaks volume of your confidence and support for my administration. I don’t take that for granted at all. For those of you willing to do business in Cross River State, we assure you of every incentive and support to do business including tax holidays and lots more, “he said.

Also speaking on the carnival, the CEO of Okhma Consul, the official marketing company of the Carnival Calabar, Mary Ephraim- Egbas said the governor and his team are passionate about 2023 edition because the carnival is one of the main assets of the Cross River State’s tourism initiative.