EFFECT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ON POVERTY REDUCTION IN CROSS RIVER STATE

Abstract

Abstract

The study examined the effect of tourism development on poverty reduction in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically the study analysed the effect of employment generation, tourism infrastructure development, tourism policies and regulations, and tourism community empowerment on poverty reduction in the Cross River State economy. A survey research design with a census sample of 45 staff was adopted in the study. The data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, and the hypotheses were tested using Multiple Regression Analysis. The finding revealed that employment generation has a positive effect on poverty reduction (Beta = 0.674, P < 0.05). Tourism infrastructure development has a positive effect on poverty reduction (Beta = 0.652, P<0.05). Tourism policies and regulations positively affect poverty reduction (Beta = 0.764, P<0.05). Lastly, Tourism community empowerment has a positive effect on poverty reduction (Beta = 0.637, P < 0.05). Based on these outcome, it is recommended among other things, that the management of the Cross River State Tourism Bureau should improve employment-generation in the State through tourism, as this will enhance socio-economic development, and helps to reduce poverty. They should also prioritize investment in tourism infrastructure projects to ensure the long-term success of the tourism sector.

Keywords: Tourism Development, Employment Generation, Tourism Infrastructure, Tourism Policies, Tourism Regulations, Poverty Reduction.