Tourism Infrastructure Accessibility as a Predictor of Community Participation in Tourism Activities in Cross River State

This study is on Tourism Infrastructure Accessibility as a Predictor of Community Participation in Tourism Activities in Cross River State, Nigeria. To ensure a good work, the researcher formulated two hypotheses in line with the objectives of the study. The population of the study consisted of 315,441 local community members, tourism stakeholders, and government officials in Cross River State, Nigeria. The research design for this study was a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide a comprehensive assessment of the role of tourism infrastructure development in promoting community inclusivity in Cross River State. A sample size of 384 local community members was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, ensuring a representative sample. Additionally, key stakeholders were selected through purposive sampling for the semi structured interviews, ensuring that their perspectives and experiences were captured. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. findings established that accessible tourism infrastructure significantly enhances community participation in tourism activities, emphasizing the importance of investing in transportation networks and other related facilities. Such investments reduce barriers, enabling local communities to actively engage in and benefit from tourism development initiatives. Additionally, the research demonstrated that involving local communities in the planning and development of tourism infrastructure positively impacts socio-economic growth and cultural preservation. State hinges on improving infrastructure accessibility and fostering active community involvement. The researcher recommended among others that Tourism developers and local authorities should adopt participatory planning models that actively engage local communities in the development and management of tourism infrastructure