Calabar Carnival to boost Tourism

It is that time of the year when all roads lead to Calabar, capital of Cross River State for the one month programme of festivities which usually culminates in what has become known as the Calabar around the period of the Christmas.

This event has demonstrated that domestic tourism is a high-income earner and can be used effectively to boost the economy of any state or nation.

This is what the Cross River state is out to achieve with it annual Carnival Calabar.

This year's edition holding from November 30 to December 31 aims to celebrate the uniqueness of the cultural diversity of Nigeria as a way of re-branding Nigeria's culture to the international community.

Speaking recently at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke said the carnival will provide new impetus at repairing the damaged image of Nigeria internationally as well as encourage Nigerian youths to strive for employment opportunities in the vast arena of culture and fashion. The Carnival Calabar, he said further, will create a new metaphor for Nigeria expressed through the interpretation of Nigeria culture and fashion utilising the rich and diverse culture for the consumption of an international market place.

The colourful carnival, which attracts over 50,000 costumed revelers and well over a million spectators, both locally and internationally, will also positively brand Nigeria internationally as well as promote the Nigeria tourism and culture industry.