ISSN: 2578-4994
Authors: Ihuoma BA and Raimi MO*
Background: Tourism has been known as one way of addressing the challenges of economic diversification from the traditional agricultural or oil mono-economy in this 21st century. Interestingly, air transportation is an important feature of economic development. It represents one of the yardsticks for assessing development. Many studies show that airport infrastructure is positively linked to socio-economic growth and development specifically in terms of generating employment, creating wealth, generating income, stimulating tourism and improving standard of living. This study aimed to measure the contributions of the Obong Victor Attah International Airport to the social and economic life of host communities of Uruan, Okobo and Nsit-Atai. LGA’s in Akwa-Ibom State. Tourism is the major parameters used in measuring these contributions. Materials and Methods: A buffer was used to demarcate the study into zones and a systematic sampling technique was employed in selecting the households to be sampled. The sample size composed of 400 respondents and this was determined from the population of the host communities using the Taro Yamane formula. Data needed for this study was obtained from questionnaires administered to the 400 respondents. Secondary data was collected from Obong Victor Attah International Airport Development Company. Data collected were analysed using; percentages, charts, maps and simple linear regression statistical tools. The hypothesis formulated was tested using simple linear regression analysis, the null hypothesis which stated that airport does not significantly impact tourism. Results: Results from the analysis revealed that the airport has an influence on tourism which is due to the influx of visitors and the increased number of tourism related business majorly production of souvenirs and souvenir related businesses. From this result it is here inferred that Obong Victor Attah International Airport is not the major determinant of tourism in the study area of the host communities. Conclusion: It was recommended that the Government should create more employment opportunities for the host communities to improve their socio-economic well-being. Also, there is need for widespread campaigns in order to raise awareness among the host community members about the importance of airport to tourism.
Keywords: Tourism; Economic Development Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); Contribution; Air Transportation; Uyo Local Government; Nigeria
