The recently concluded 2024 Calabar Carnival saw a significant influx of tourists and spectators, with over 300,000 visitors attending the month-long event in Calabar, Cross River State. The Managing Director of the Cross River Tourism Bureau, Ekpenyong Ojoi, revealed the statistics in a statement on Saturday, noting a 42% growth in tourist attendance compared to 2023.

Tourist Attendance and Activities

Ojoi highlighted the key attractions that drew visitors, including the OMR (Obudu Mountain Resort), Marina Resort, and Kwa Falls. The event’s breakdown includes:

• Over 300,000 tourists from November 1 to December 31, 2024, primarily from Abuja, Lagos, and Akwa Ibom State.
• An estimated 450,000 onsite spectators witnessed events like the Cultural Carnival, Children’s Carnival, and Bikers Carnival, compared to 279,486 in 2023.
• Over 1.2 billion viewers worldwide watched the events on DSTV channel 198.
• 100 million online viewers streamed the events live.

Accommodation and Hospitality Boom

The carnival spurred a significant rise in hotel occupancy and hospitality revenue:

• Accommodation occupancy rate rose to 68%, compared to 57% in 2023.
• Over 90% of hotels in Calabar reported full occupancy between December 15 and December 29, 2024.
• Revenue from hotel bookings during December alone reached ₦2.79 billion ($1.74 million), with an average cost of ₦25,000 per night for approximately 3,600 available bed spaces.
• Revenue from food and breakfast was estimated at ₦900 million ($562,000).

Key hotels like Hogis Royale, Metropolitan Hotel, Monty Suits, and others generated 54% of hotel booking revenue.

Revenue from Carnival Events

The carnival’s various activities significantly boosted the local economy:

• Ticketed events, including Funfest, Calabar Fashion Show, and Queen of Humanity, generated ₦100 million ($66,000).
• Nightclubs in the area contributed an estimated ₦400 million ($267,000).
• Additional activities, such as food, drinks, online streaming, dancers, and car rentals, generated ₦1 billion ($667,000).
• Visitors spent ₦8.87 billion ($5.91 million) on transportation, encompassing air, road, and sea travel.

Economic Impact

The 2024 Calabar Carnival, dubbed “Africa’s Biggest Street Party,” significantly boosted Cross River’s economy. With record-breaking attendance and revenue, it solidified the state’s position as a premier tourist destination. The event also highlighted the vibrant cultural heritage and potential for economic growth through tourism.

Ojoi commended stakeholders and organizers for their efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustaining such initiatives to enhance Cross River’s appeal as a global cultural hub. He stated, “The Calabar Carnival has once again proven to be a transformative event for the state, driving economic growth and showcasing the richness of our culture and hospitality.”