THE IMPACT OF TOURISM ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF PORTHARCOURT METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT

Tourism is considered as one of the largest and fastest developing sectors of the world’s economy and its high growth and development rates bring considerable volumes of foreign currency inflows, infrastructure development, employment generation, regional development, economic multiplier effects and introduction of new management and educational experience which positively affects the social and economic development of a nation. However the industry also generates a number of other negative socio- economic and cultural impacts on local communities. This study examines the impact of tourism on the socio-economic development of Portharcourt metropolis. The aim of the study is primarily to investigate the impact of tourism as it relates to socioeconomic development. The objectives of the study are to; (1) Identify and map out the tourist sites in Portharcourt metropolis (2) Investigate the positive and negative impacts of tourism (3) Identify the cultural, social and economic impact of tourism in Portharcourt metropolis. The study adopted purposive sampling technique and 8 districts were intently selected and mapped out, 320 questionnaires were administered to respondents along five streets in the selected districts. The study was carried out using both primary and secondary data. The study used descriptive statistics, frequency table, bar charts and pies charts to examine the impact of tourism on the socioeconomic development of Portharcourt metropolis. The study shows that tourism has not been effectively used to socioeconomically develop Portharcourt metropolis, the study also reveals that tourism has attracted both local and foreign investors especially in the area of building of hotels and industries. It went further to conclude by recommending means by which tourism can be properly harnessed for socioeconomic development of the city; through privatization and decentralization, development of tourist sites and general commitment by the government which will stimulate the socioeconomic development of the city.