Tourism Development and Economic Growth in Enugu State: A Business Administration Perspective

Tourism development has gained increasing policy recognition as a viable economic diversification strategy for Enugu State, which possesses significant cultural, historical, and natural tourism assets that remain largely underdeveloped relative to their economic potential. This study examines the relationship between tourism development and economic growth in Enugu State from a business administration perspective. The study is anchored on the Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis, which posits that tourism activity drives economic expansion through foreign exchange earnings, employment creation, infrastructure development, and multiplier effects on local businesses. A mixed methods research design was adopted. The population comprised tourism industry operators, hospitality businesses, cultural institutions, and state tourism officials across Enugu State. A sample of 174 respondents was drawn using purposive and stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected via structured questionnaires, complemented by qualitative insights from key informant interviews. Data were analysed using multiple regression and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that hotel and hospitality sector development, cultural heritage site management, and tourism marketing investment are the dimensions most significantly associated with economic growth multiplier effects in the state. The results further reveal that tourism receipts positively stimulate growth in transport, retail, and food sectors as second-order economic effects. It is concluded that strategic investment in Enugu State's tourism sector can generate substantial economic growth dividends when supported by adequate infrastructure and coordinated marketing. The study recommends that the Enugu State Tourism Development Corporation develop a five-year tourism master plan, prioritise heritage site rehabilitation, and leverage digital platforms for international tourism promotion.

Keywords: Tourism development, economic growth, Enugu State, Tourism-Led Growth Hypothesis, hospitality