Tourism Stakeholders Urged to Harness Carnival Calabar’s Economic Potential
By Admin, Lagos
Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission, Gabriel Onah, has described Carnival Calabar as a growing economic platform capable of driving tourism development, attracting investment, and creating jobs across Nigeria’s creative and hospitality sectors.
Speaking in Lagos during the unveiling of the 2026 Carnival Calabar theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,” Onah said the festival has evolved from a cultural celebration into a structured economic ecosystem with wide-reaching commercial benefits.
He explained that the carnival now generates value across hospitality, transportation, entertainment, fashion, food services, and event management, especially during the peak festive season when Cross River State experiences a surge in visitor inflows.
According to him, the decision to unveil the 2026 edition in Lagos was strategic, designed to increase visibility, attract investors, and deepen corporate participation in the annual event.
Onah added that positioning the carnival in Nigeria’s commercial hub was part of a broader effort to strengthen partnerships and ensure long-term sustainability through private sector involvement.
“The carnival has moved beyond entertainment. It is now a platform for economic development, job creation, tourism expansion, and cultural promotion,” he said.
He expressed confidence that with stronger stakeholder engagement and sustained investment, Carnival Calabar would continue to play a significant role in Nigeria’s tourism growth and economic diversification agenda.
Reinforcing this position, tourism expert and Convener of the Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, urged industry stakeholders to take advantage of Carnival Calabar 2026 as a major tourism product with strong economic potential.
Uko called on tour operators, travel agencies, airlines, hospitality providers, and media organisations to develop structured travel packages around the festival to boost visitor numbers and economic returns.
He described Carnival Calabar as a world-class tourism product that continues to position Nigeria on the global tourism map while creating opportunities for businesses and host communities.
“The carnival has given Nigeria a world-class tourism product capable of attracting visitors from across the globe,” Uko said.
Uko further emphasised that coordinated efforts among stakeholders would significantly enhance the economic impact of the event.
“If stakeholders work together to promote the destination and design attractive travel packages, we can significantly increase visitor arrivals and expand the economic benefits of the carnival,” he said.
The conference also highlighted ongoing efforts by the Cross River State Government and the Carnival Commission to enhance global visibility through digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and improved visitor experiences.
With preparations underway for the 21st edition of Africa’s biggest street party, stakeholders expressed optimism that Carnival Calabar 2026 will further strengthen Nigeria’s cultural tourism sector while contributing to job creation, investment inflows, and broader economic development.
Observers note that sustained investment in cultural tourism could help diversify Nigeria’s economy, reduce dependence on oil revenues, and position the country as a leading tourism destination in Africa.