ABSTRACT

This study investigated the influence of tourism development on the socio cconomic development of Ahia State by examining the extent of infrastructural and super-structural development that influence socio-economic development in Abia State, determining how tourism accessibility can improve the social economic development of Abia state, ascertaining the factors influencing tourism development in Ahia State and examining different tourism attractions that influences the socio-economic development of Abia state. A sample size of 400 respondents was analysed using statistical tools such as mean and standard deviation. The findings of this study showed that providing accommodation, good road network which in tum provides inducement for the growth of existing tourist destination, factors influencing tourism development in Abia State are accessibility, support service, amenities, accommodation, religion, communication among others and if tourism can be developed in the state it can be an extra source of income generation for the state. Thus recommending that The government, communities in Abia state and other stakeholders should collaborate with each other by providing all the raw materials and ideas needed for the development and improvement of the cultural heritage to meet the current tourism demand in order should utilize the impacts of tourism in Abia state by embracing the development of tourism.