20th Carnival Calabar Drives ₦17.4 Billion Economic Impact
State Records Major Tourism Revenue
The Cross River State Government has announced that it generated an estimated ₦17.4 billion from the 2025 edition of the Calabar Festivals and Carnivals, underscoring the growing economic significance of the annual cultural event.
The figure was disclosed in a report released by the Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Board, Mr. Ojoi Ekpenyong, and made available to journalists in Calabar.
Increased Visitor Turnout
According to the report, the revenue figure was derived from accommodation, transportation, entertainment, food services, events, and other ancillary economic activities during the 32-day festival period.
The 2025 edition, which marked the 20th anniversary of Carnival Calabar, attracted thousands of domestic and international tourists and turned Calabar into a major tourism destination during the yuletide season.
Data from the Tourism Board showed that visitor inflow into the state capital in December 2025 exceeded 248,000, representing a 24 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Transport and Hospitality Performance
The report indicated that transportation alone accounted for an estimated ₦10.6 billion in visitor spending, driven by increased demand for air and road travel.
Between November 2025 and January 2026, Calabar International Airport recorded over 12,000 inbound passengers, with 81 per cent arriving from other Nigerian states and about four per cent from the diaspora.
The hospitality sector also recorded improved performance, with hotels posting an average occupancy rate of 72 per cent, compared to 68 per cent in 2024. Peak occupancy surpassed 95 per cent between 16 and 30 December, while hotel bookings generated an estimated ₦3.9 billion.
Tourism Sites and Entertainment
Over 26,000 room nights were recorded during the period, while food and beverage services generated ₦2.05 billion. Major hotels accounted for more than 56 per cent of accommodation revenue.
Tourism sites such as Obudu Mountain Resort, Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls attracted more than 370,000 visitors between November and December 2025, reflecting nearly 80 per cent growth compared to 2023.
Ticketed events and nightlife activities generated significant income, with major events contributing ₦130 million and nightclubs earning about ₦460 million.
Ekpenyong said the figures reaffirm Carnival Calabar’s role as a key economic driver and projected higher returns in future editions with sustained support.
