SOCIOECONOMIC IMPEDIMENTS TO TOURISM SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria's efforts to develop its tourism sector through policy implementation have not yielded significant results due to a lack of government commitment and ineffective partnerships with private stakeholders. A key policy target, promoting tourism to both Nigerians and foreigners, has been unsuccessful. Demographic factors like health, gender, socioeconomic status, and education have constrained Nigerians from engaging in or investing in tourism, while underdeveloped destinations deter foreign interest. Policy makers have failed to grasp the influence of these factors, largely due to a lack of localized studies, particularly in Anambra 
State. This study investigated how demographic factors affect tourism development in Anambra, using propensity to invest and participate in the sector as a mediating variable. A sample of 400 participants was selected through multi-stage sampling, and data were analysed using a generalized univariate multiple regression model. The findings revealed that health quality of life and gender had significant effects on tourism sector development. While socioeconomic status and educational level had no significant effects on tourism development in Anambra. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Anambra State should strengthen partnerships with private stakeholders, particularly in healthcare and gender inclusiveness, to boost tourism development. This approach could be replicated across other states and at the federal level to enhance the overall growth of Nigeria’s tourism sector.