Assessment of Tourism Development Potentials in Calabar Metropolis

ABSTRACT
Tourism is a conspicuous phenomenon as an important human activity of economics, social, political, cultural and educational significance. It involves the activities and interest of transporters, central and local government and diverse services at the various destinations. Tourism development is also a source of wealth and employment. It makes use of resources, which may not be used otherwise, particularly of unemployed labor in developing countries with few or no alternative sources of employment. Despite the inherent tourism potentials in Calabar, the city is yet to fully maximize its tourism potentials to being about economic development. It is on this note that the study aims at assessing the tourism potentials of Calabar metropolis. The study therefore analyzed the tourism resources in the area, and its socio-economic impact on the city, as well as the problems that hinder tourism development in the areas. Data for the study were collected through the use of structured questionnaires, and interview sessions to help elicit information on the study. The hypothesis was tested with the use of Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The results of the hypothesis indicates that there is no significant relationship between the quality of tourism facilities and the level of participation in tourism activities in Calabar metropolis. The investigation revealed that lack of continuity in government is one major problem of tourism development in the area. It was also observed that poor funding, insecurity, and other challenges such as low income, mismanagement of tourism outfits, economic instability, etc also contribute to the problems of tourism development in the area. The public and private sectors were observed to have great significance in the development of tourism in the area. However, the analysis revealed that the public and private sectors are not effectively working together to achieve sustainable tourism development in the area. The study recommended that government should direct interest in tourism development by involving in inclusive and collaborative efforts with private sectors to develop tourism in the area, government should also enhance infrastructure such as accessible roads, transport facilities, and security in the area, and also ensure that public awareness schemes should be made and implemented to ensure public awareness on the importance and benefits of tourism development to the economy and the state at large.