The Challenges and Benefits of Travel Agencies on the Sustainable Development of Tourism Industry in Anambra State of Nigeria.

ABSTRACTThe study examined the challenges and benefits of travel agencies on the sustainable development of tourism in Anambra State. Three (3) research questions were raised and literature of other researchers were reviewed. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design and the instrument for data collection was a questionnaire; it was built around the research question by the researcher and validated by the researchers supervisor. The questionnaire was structured according to the research questions and distributed to sample population of 100 respondents drawn from travel agencies in Anambra State. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics by means of frequency count, percentage, Mean and standard Deviation. The findings of the study travel agencies in Anambra State face challenges such as limited access to reliable transportation options, high operational costs, including fuel and maintenance expenses, inadequate government support. Travel agencies offer numerous benefits in promoting sustainable tourism such as preserving cultural heritage and historical sites for future generations, promoting responsible tourism that benefits local communities, reducing waste and conserving energy. Also, travel agencies contribute significantly to the implementation of sustainable tourism practices by creating awareness among tourists about the environmental and cultural importance of sustainable travel practices. It was recommended that travel agencies in Anambra State should establish strong partnerships with local governments, environmental organizations, and sustainable tourism certification bodies. Also, travel agencies should invest in training programs for their staff and local tourism operators on sustainable tourism practices, including waste management, responsible wildlife tourism, and energy-efficient operations.