Weeks tothe 2023Calabar carnival begins, the state’s governor, Bassey Otuhas promised thatthis 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 brandingelementof the annual event.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting with global chief executive officers in Lagos, Governor Otuannouncedthat 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 ofOkhmaConsul,the official marketing company of the Carnival Calabar,Mary Ephraim-Egbassaid the governor and his team are passionateabout 2023 editionbecause the carnival is one of themain assets of the Cross River State’s tourism initiative. (THISDAY)