Calabar’s hospitality and tourism sectors witnessed an unprecedented surge during November and December 2024, with hotel bookings generating a record-breaking ₦2.79 billion ($1.74 million).
The Cross River State Tourism Bureau reports that the city’s hotel occupancy rate soared to 68%, up from 57% in 2023, with over 90% of hotels fully booked from December 15 to December 29. Key players, including Hogis Royale, Metropolitan Hotel, Moju Hotel, and Monty Suites, contributed over 54% of the total revenue, with Hogis Royale and Moju Hotel making a strong debut in 2024 as new entrants to the market.
The tourism boom also extended beyond accommodation. The Funfest, Calabar Fashion Show, and Queen of Humanity events generated an estimated ₦100 million ($66,000), while the city’s top five nightclubs—Roman, Zero Arena, Amber Lounge, Club Voltage, and Bays Bar—brought in ₦400 million ($267,000). Additional activities, such as food and drinks, car rentals, dancers, and online streaming services, contributed an impressive ₦1 billion ($667,000) to the local economy.
The 2024 Carnival Calabar drew 450,000 onsite spectators, a 61% increase from the 279,486 recorded in 2023, while 1.2 billion global viewers tuned in via DSTV channel 198. Online streaming platforms recorded over 100 million viewers during the festival period, solidifying Calabar’s status as one of Africa’s premier cultural tourism destinations.
