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To ensure an improved tourism development with additional packages, Cross Rivers State Government said over 10 different countries of the world and 20 states in Nigeria will grace the 2022 Calabar carnival starting from Thursday 1st December.
Speaking on Wednesday while briefing the media in Abuja, the Commissioner of Sport and Tourism Development in Cross Rivers State, Hon. Eric Anderson disclosed that additional packages have been added into the carnival for maximum benefit of all delegates and the state in particular.
Hon Anderson disclosed that because of Covid 19 pandemic, Cross Rivers State was not able to organize her regular yearly carnival which had led to much economic loss to the people and the state in the tourism sector.
He explained that the pandemic period had given the state much ample opportunity to think deeply to ensure the carnival concept is rebranded with additional concept and packages for maximum benefit of those involved.
The Tourism Commissioner further informed that additional upward review of the Calabar carnival from 5 packages to 7 will enhance mutual tourism benefit to all delegates including visiting countries of the world.
A source close to the organizers told our Correspondent that many Art Villages, Nollywood actors and actresses will be in attendance. There is also an Award Night to spice up the event.
The source added that more choirs which include the legislative Choirs, the judicial Choirs among others will participate at the event that will culminate in award night.
During Christmas Eve, the Commissioner said all delegates is expected to appear with their white garments.
One of the new features of the carnival, he disclosed is introduction of Arabian carnival that is to be hosted by the Executive governor of Cross Rivers State, Sunday Ayade.
Another new concept injected into the yearly festival celebration is bikers, where operators will be expected to operate within some designated routes in the state.
According to the Commissioner, Chief Mrs Senator Florence Ita Giwa and Chief Eden Duke will be opportune to lead the band around the state.
Reacting to questions fielded by reporters during the briefing, the Commissioner assured that adequate security arrangement have been put in place to ensure adequate security before, during and after the carnival, maintaining that security meeting had severally been held with all security heads in the state about the upcoming event.
While reacting to questions about availability of hotels within the state with a view to accommodate visitors during the carnival, the Commissioner appealed to all residents in Cross Rivers to be willing and accommodative to visitors as over 240 hotels were vandalized during the End-SARs protest in the state.
