An Assessment of the Impact of Tourism and Hospitality Industry on the Socio-Economic Development of Ekiti State, Nigeria.

This study seeks to assess the impact of the hospitality and tourism industry on the socio-economic development of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The objectives of this study include exploring the tourism potential of Ekiti State, examining the challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism industry in the region, and evaluating the socio-economic impact of the industry. The research employs survey research design, incorporating questionnaires and library documents as primary and secondary sources to gather data. With the chi-square statistical tools at a 0.05% significance level for analysis and the results presented in frequency tables and percentages, while focusing on 30 staff members of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ekiti State, the findings reveal that the tourism and hospitality industry significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of Ekiti State. It is discovered that the industry has a considerable impact on income generation and has experienced growing cultural and political effects in Nigeria over time. Based on the findings, the research recommended that stakeholders, policymakers and government officials increase their support for the tourism and hospitality industry by developing comprehensive strategies to address the identified challenges, investing in infrastructure, enhancing marketing efforts, and fostering partnerships with private sector stakeholders and thereby harness its tourism potential to further promote socio-economic development and ensure sustainable growth in the industry and in the state. Keywords: Hospitality industry, Tourism development, Socio-economic development, Sustainable growth, Government policy, income generation.