Purpose- This study examines the relationship between Calabar carnival fiesta and the socioeconomic
development of Calabar metropolis in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach- The approach adopted in this study was survey method which employed
structured questionnaires,which were administered to 1495 respondents. Data elicited from respondents were
analyzed using simple percentage and Pearson product moment correlation.
Findings - The study reveals that Calabar carnival fiesta significantly influence the development of
infrastructural facilities, level of poverty, standard of living of the people in terms of clean and healthy
environment and the sexual behaviour of the people in Calabar Metropolis.
Practical implications –Some of the recommendations are, that, a blue print on Calabar carnival fiesta be
expanded to include other parts of Cross River State.
Originality/value- This research work is the first empirical work to assess the impact of Calabar carnival fiesta
on the socio-economic development of Calabar Metropolis. Empirical evidence from the field provides an
insight that could assist in redesigning tourism blue print in Cross River State.