Tourism Development in Ebonyi State: Insight into the Challenges Confronting the Ministry of Culture and Tourism

Abstract

Ebonyi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism was established in June 2000 to serve as a catalyst for the development of diverse cultural and tourism resources in the state. However, it is worrisome that eighteen years after, not much headway has been made in the development of tourism resources. Some of the implications are that tourism resources have not been tapped for state and rural development, and many of the resources are under threat due to lack of management. Thus, the paper attempted to dissect the obstacles which preclude Ebonyi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism from discharging its cardinal function of tourism development. The key objective of the study was to ascertain the challenges that confront Ebonyi State Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The research adopted the qualitative posture to inquiry, and in-depth interview as primary data gathering technique. Findings revealed that key challenges of the ministry are: lack of appropriate personnel, poor funding, flippant attitude of government towards tourism development, and absence of tourism committee at the thirteen local government areas of the state. It is hoped that the paper will contribute meaningfully towards repositioning the ministry for greater productivity.

Keywords: Tourism Development, Challenges, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ebonyi State

DOI: 10.7176/JTHS/41-06

Publication date:May 31^st 2019