ABSTRACT

 The study investigated the influence of event tourism on the socio-economic development of Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State. The objective of the study is to investigate the influence of event management on the socio-economic development of Emekuku, to determine the influence of event suppliers on the socio-economic development of Emekuku, and to ascertain the factors that militate against event tourism in Emekuku. The study adopted a survey measure where questionnaire was used to determine the influence of event tourism on the socio-economic development of Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State. Interview was carried out to seek the respondent's opinions and views. Three hundred and ninetytwo (392) respondents (three major community groups of Emekuku) were selected. The research data was collected through questionnaire, self-administered through two other research assistants, and analyzed with simple descriptive statistics of frequency and mean distribution were used to analyze the research questions. The study found out that event management influences the socioeconomic development of Emekuku with a grand mean score of3.4. Also event suppliers influence the socio-economic development of Emekuku with a grand mean score of 3.5. It was also found out that the following factors militated against event tourism in Emekuku; insecurity, un-conducive environment, insufficient fund, inadequate facility, poor infrastructure and government regulations. In conclusion, event tourism influences the socio-economic development of Emekuku. Amongst other recommendations, the study recommended that the State government need to make available infrastructures and tourism facilities such as accommodation facilities, electricity, health facilities, accessible roads and so on to Emekuku in order to promote the growth of tourism generally in Emekuku.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page

Declaration

Certification

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Abstract

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study l

1.2 Statement of the Problem 4

1.3 . Objective of the Study 7

1.4 Research Questions 7

1.5 Significance of the study 7

1.6 Scope of the study 8

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1: Conceptual Framework

2.1.1 Event

2.1.2 Classifications of Events

2.1.4 Event Tourism

2.1.5 Types of Event Tourism

2.1.6 Key Components of Event Tourism

2.1.7 Tourist Value of Events

2.1.8 Socio Economic Development

2.1.8.1 Socio Economic Influence of Event Tourism

2.1.8.2 Positive Economic Impact of Event Tourism

2.1.8.3 Negative Economic Impact of Event Tourism

2.1.8.4 Social Impact of Event Tourism

2.2 Theoretical Framework 24

2.2.1 Environmental Theories 24

2.2.2 The Growth Theory 26

2.2.3 Theories in Psychology Regarding Motivation 26

2.3 Emperical Review 27

2.4 Summary of Literature Review 29

CHAPTER: MATERIALS AND METHOD

3.1. Research Design 30

3.2 Area of study 30

3.3 Population for the Study 31

3.4 Sampling Size and Sampling Technique 34

3.4.l Sample Size for the Study 34

3.5 Instrument for Data Collection 34

3.6 Validation of the Instruments 35

3.7 Reliability of the Instrument 35

3.8 Method of Data Collection 35

3.9 Data Analysis Technique 36

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Presentation of Analysis

4.2 Findings of the Study

4.3 Discussion of Findings

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Summary

5.1.1 Re-Statement of the Problem

5.1.2 Summary of Findings

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Limitation to the Study

5.4 Recommendation

REFRENCES