Assessing the Impact of Hotels on Socio-Economic Development in Akwa Ibom State: Tourism Perspective

Abstract

This research aimed at assessing the impact of hotels on the socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State. Socio-economic variables used include employment, income earning, revenue generation and production of local goods among others. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Simple random sampling method was used to select thirty (30) hotels for the study. Data for the study was obtained through questionnaire administered to three hundred (300) respondents who were randomly selected among thirty (30) selected hotels. Simple frequency and percentage, charts, graphs, maps and Chi-square statistical tool were adopted as the analytical tools for the study. Hypothesis was formulated and tested using Chi-square statistical method. The alternate hypothesis was accepted. The result of the study revealed that hotels have direct and indirect impacts on Akwa Ibom State through the creation of employment, income earning, revenue generation and production of local goods among others. It was concluded that hotels have impacts on socio-economic development of Akwa Ibom State which in turn promote and enhanced tourism in Akwa Ibom State. Therefore, it was recommended that events should be organized in the state to attract visitors and tourists that would make use of the hotels and thus, enhance socio-economic benefits in the area. This study yields relevant data on revenue generation, income earnings, and employment opportunity by hotels in the study area that would help in regional planning and enhanced socio-economic development.