Accommodation and hospitality businesses in Calabar recorded a major surge in performance during the 2025 Calabar Festivals and Carnivals, with hotels reaching over 95 per cent occupancy at peak periods and generating an estimated N3.9 billion in booking revenue.
This was disclosed in a report by Prince Ojoi Ekpenyong, Managing Director of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau, highlighting the strong impact of the festivals on the state’s hospitality sector.
According to the report, the average hotel occupancy rate during the festival period rose to 72 per cent, up from 68 per cent in 2024. Between December 16 and 30, occupancy levels exceeded 95 per cent across many establishments as visitors flooded the city for the celebrations.
The report further revealed that hotels recorded more than 26,000 confirmed room nights in December alone, reflecting both increased visitor numbers and longer average stays. In addition to accommodation revenue, spending on food, beverages, and breakfast services was estimated at N2.05 billion, underscoring the wider economic benefits to hospitality providers.
Ekpenyong noted that leading hotels such as Hogis Hotels, Metropolitan Hotel, Monty Suites, UG Wils Hotel, Moju Hotel, Danic Hotel, Dallas Suites, and De Grand Hotel collectively accounted for over 56 per cent of total accommodation revenue recorded during the period.
He emphasized that the strong hospitality performance demonstrates how the Calabar Festivals and Carnivals continue to serve as a reliable economic driver for businesses in Cross River State, particularly within the tourism and hospitality value chain.
