Calabar, the tourism hub of Cross River State, witnessed a record-breaking influx of over 300,000 tourists between November 1 and December 31, 2024, according to data from the Cross River State Tourism Bureau.
This marks a dramatic increase compared to the 190,345 tourists recorded during the same period in 2023. Visitors flocked to popular attractions such as the OMR, Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls, with the majority arriving from Abuja, Lagos, and neighboring Akwa Ibom State.
The tourism boom significantly impacted the hospitality sector. Occupancy rates in accommodation establishments surged to 68%, up from 57% in 2023, while more than 90% of Calabar’s hotels reported 100% occupancy between December 15 and 29. Revenue from hotel bookings alone reached an estimated ₦2.79 billion ($1.74 million), with an average of 25,000 nightly bookings in December for approximately 3,600 available bed spaces. Additionally, food and breakfast services generated an impressive ₦900 million ($562,000) in revenue during the period.
This growth reflects the increasing appeal of Calabar as a prime tourist destination, with its captivating attractions and vibrant hospitality industry solidifying its status as a key player in Nigeria’s tourism landscape.
