EVALUATION OF CULTURAL TOURISM AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN ARONDIZUOGU COMMUNITY OF IMO STATE

This study is on the evaluation of cultural tourism and community development using Arondizuogu community of Imo state as a case study. Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange earning income, employment cultural exchanges, environmental protection or preservation of cultural heritages. But the level to which tourism has enhanced rural development in Nigeria especially in Arondizuogu community blessed with tourist attractions sites is yet to be adequately determined because the people are not really aware of its (cultural tourism) potential in terms of development. The study upholds the postulation that the need to educate and conscientize the rural dwellers to take the advantage of their festivals, historic events, cultural heritage etc to develop their community is very essential. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodology using some research tools such as survey method, involving questionnaires was used as a tool for data collection. Modernization theory was used for the study. The findings of the study revealed that cultural tourism generates employment and income to the host community. The finding also revealed the major problem hindering the development of these sites in the studied community is lack of proper awareness as well as lack of social amenities in the area. The study recommends the need for government to equip the rural communities with the required social amenities and equally gives the rural dwellers more1 enlightenment on the impact of the cultural tourism on community development.