Application of Tourism Economic Development Theories to the Attainment of Goals in Developing Tourism Sites in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

This work examined the importance of applying tourism economic development theories to the development of tourism projects. The work revealed that economic theory is subdivided into theories of modernization, dependency, world system and globalization. The relevance  of the sub theories were ascertained through 102 copies of structured  questionnaire administered at three  selected   tourism sites in Cross River State .The study reveals the sequential procedures involved in tourism project development, the types of amenities required, how to control leakages, improve the organizations’ information technology, and increase market sales volume. It is therefore concluded that to avoid project failure any person/agency developing tourism site should be guided by the the sub- theories. It is recommended that any person going into tourism business/project should apply the sub theories in order to: follow sequential processes for developing project, have bases for impact analysis, prevent leakage and earn revenue through increase in market share and control people’s behaviour at the site. 

Keywords: Economic Development theory, Leakages, Ethics, and development process.