Calabar carnival: C’River commences regulation, licensing of tourism establishments
Calabar Carnival. Photo: Hotels NG
In its determination to reposition Cross River State as the number one tourism destination in Nigeria, the State Tourism Bureau has commenced regulation, licensing and grading of all tourism establishments in the state.
The new Managing Director of Cross River State Tourism Bureau, Ojoi Ekpenyong, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Calabar on the Bureau’s short-term plan to revitalise the tourism industry.
He noted that this would ensure that the state tourism facilities are visitor-ready for the forthcoming 32-days Christmas Festival, especially the 2023 edition of Carnival Calabar.
Ekpenyong said the state Tourism Bureau would partner Cani al Calabar and other local festivals to optimise them as focal points for tourism growth, with private sector involvement to enhance the events.
He said: “We will actively explore opportunities for Public-Private Partnerships to develop and manage various tourism projects, in collaboration with the private sector, while engaging in short-term campaigns targeting regional and national tourists, featuring special promotions and discounts.
“A renewed focus on promoting and enhancing existing tourism attractions across the state will be a central component of the plan. We are also going to appoint local influencers and celebrities as tourism ambassadors to promote Cross River State.”
