As the year draws to a close, Akwa Ibom State and indeed Nigeria is gearing up for a festive season like no other.
The Uyo city’s vibrant economy is poised to receive a significant boost from the influx of visitors and revelers flocking to enjoy the city’s famous nightlife, beaches, and cultural events.
According to industry experts, the festive season is expected to be a lucrative period for various businesses, with some sectors poised to reap billions of naira in revenue. Here are 13 businesses that are likely to boom during the December celebrations:
- Hotels: With thousands of visitors expected to flood the city, hotels are likely to be fully booked, with premium suites selling out quickly. Last year, hotels in popular areas of Akwa Ibom such as Ewet Housing, OsongAma, Shelter Afrique just as it is in VI, Lekki, and Ikeja made billions of naira in revenue.
- Short-Let Apartments: Short-lets are experiencing even higher demand, with travelers seeking privacy, larger spaces, and home-style comfort. Prices are expected to rise, with some apartments jumping to six-figure rates per night during peak weeks.
- Nightclubs and Lounges: Nightlife is hitting its peak in December, with clubs hosting back-to-back events, table bookings selling out, and bottle service becoming a major money-maker. Some top clubs are expected to earn billions of naira during the season.
- Event Centres and Concert Venues: From weddings to end-of-year parties and blockbuster concerts, venues are booked months ahead, with halls, open fields, and arenas staying busy throughout the season.
- Luxury Car Rentals: Demand for premium mobility is on the rise, with visitors wanting to move around in style. Rental fees are expected to triple, with SUVs and high-end sedans becoming the most requested options.
- Beaches and Resorts: Recreational spots are enjoying a surge in visitors, with families booking private beach houses, friends arranging group outings, and resorts staying busy – especially when people want a break from the noise and heat.
- Cinemas and Film Premieres: Nollywood releases major titles during December, making it the biggest month for cinema traffic. Red carpets, premieres, and holiday films are attracting crowds daily.
- Restaurants and Food Vendors: Food businesses are thriving throughout the festive period, with high-end restaurants staying full and street vendors enjoying late-night sales thanks to concerts and events scattered across the city.
- Beauty, Grooming & Fashion: Everyone wants to look their best, with salons extending their working hours, makeup artists getting fully booked, tailors handling rush orders, and stylists making steady profits throughout the month.
- Digital Payments & E-Commerce: Online payments are skyrocketing, with people buying tickets, gifts, clothes, and services digitally. Some hotels and clubs are even accepting crypto from travelers who prefer fast, borderless payments.
- Fashion Design Boutique: Fashionistas are expected to splurge on trendy outfits, with boutiques and fashion designers experiencing a significant increase in sales.
- Transportation: With the influx of visitors, transportation services such as ride-hailing companies and taxi services are likely to see a surge in demand, providing a lucrative opportunity for drivers and operators.
- Gift and Souvenir Shops: As people shop for gifts and souvenirs, shops selling unique and locally-made products are expected to do brisk business, capitalizing on the festive spirit.
As Akwa Ibom and Nigeria prepares to welcome fun seekers from across the globe, businesses are gearing up to capitalize on the festive season. With the city’s vibrant culture, stunning beaches, new Arise Palm Resort, and world-class entertainment centres, it’s no wonder that Uyo is the ultimate destination for those seeking a memorable ‘Christmas ‘ experience.
