Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko, has described Carnival Calabar as one of Africa’s most powerful tourism brands, crediting Cross River State with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s now-thriving December tourism season.
Speaking in Lagos ahead of the unveiling of the 2026 Carnival Calabar theme, “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny”, Uko said the festival was deliberately created as a tourism product more than two decades ago, unlike the “Detty December” phenomenon which evolved organically in cities like Lagos.
According to him, Carnival Calabar has consistently shaped global perceptions of Nigeria’s festive season, with its visuals dominating international media coverage.
“In the last two years, most images used by global media to depict Nigeria’s December tourism experience have come from Carnival Calabar”, he said, noting that the festival’s vibrant displays have become a defining symbol of the country’s cultural tourism appeal.
Uko explained that the carnival’s structured development distinguishes it from other tourism experiences in Nigeria, positioning it as a globally competitive product capable of attracting international visitors.
He urged travel agencies and tour operators to take advantage of the platform by packaging and marketing the carnival to global audiences, stressing that the event offers world-class experiences comparable to leading festivals worldwide.
The tourism expert also pointed out that Nigeria is gradually evolving into a two-season tourism destination, driven by both the December festivities and cultural celebrations around the Eid period, including events such as the Ilorin Durbar and Ojude Oba Festival.
He commended the Cross River State Government for engaging industry stakeholders in the build-up to the 2026 edition, describing it as a deliberate effort to commercialise the carnival and maximise its economic potential.
Uko expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among stakeholders could significantly boost tourist arrivals, noting that Carnival Calabar remains one of the most compelling cultural products Nigeria has to offer the world.
He added that the festival’s longevity and continuous innovation have positioned it as a benchmark for cultural tourism development in Africa.