Adams Adah, one of the attendees, shared, “We anticipated an easier search upon arrival, but we were confronted with the realization that prior bookings had been made by numerous carnival attendees. We scoured the area for hours before securing one on the outskirts late last night.”
Calabar Bustling as All Hotels Fully Booked Ahead of Carnival
Hotels in Calabar, the state capital of Cross River State, have been fully booked ahead of the annual Calabar Carnival 2023, News Week Nigeria reports.
The vibrant city of Calabar in Cross River State is currently abuzz with excitement as the annual Calabar Carnival 2023 gains momentum.
However, amidst the festivities, visitors are facing a daunting challenge – securing accommodation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports a surge in demand for hotel space, leaving travellers scrambling to find lodging in the capital city.
The 20th edition of the month-long carnival, which commenced on December 1, has continued to attract multitudes despite prevailing security challenges in the area.
With a diverse range of activities planned daily, the pinnacle event, dubbed “Carnival Calabar,” is scheduled for December 28.
According to reports from NAN, numerous visitors arriving in Calabar expressed their ordeal in searching for accommodation as arduous.
Many described the experience as daunting and costly, forcing them to settle for lodging on the outskirts of the city.
Adams Adah, one of the attendees, shared, “We anticipated an easier search upon arrival, but we were confronted with the realization that prior bookings had been made by numerous carnival attendees. We scoured the area for hours before securing one on the outskirts late last night.”
Mama Obi, a resident of Lagos who hails from Cross River State, highlighted the overwhelming influx of carnival-goers as the primary cause of the scarcity of accommodation.
She noted that due to limited space, several hotels had adjusted their rates significantly.
“As of now, there’s no vacant hotel space within central Calabar municipality. If you’re fortunate, you might secure one in Atimbo, Ikorishi, 8mile, or Calabar South,” Mama Obi explained.
Echoing similar sentiments, another visitor named Dan, who journeyed from Port Harcourt with friends, expressed his struggle to accommodate them.
Despite securing an apartment two weeks prior, he found himself unable to secure additional space for his companions.
“We were told there was no availability, not even in regular hotels, except on the outskirts,” Dan remarked.
NAN’s report indicated participation from over 15 states of the federation and even Cameroon in the cultural extravaganza, underscoring the widespread appeal and diverse representation at the annual carnival.
As Calabar continues to bustle with activities and enthusiastic attendees, the scarcity of accommodation remains a notable challenge for visitors seeking to partake in the celebration of culture, tradition, and festivity at the renowned Calabar Carnival 2023.
