EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN CROSS RIVER STATE-NIGERIA

The study examines the impact of crime on sustainable tourism development in the southern senatorial district of Cross River State, Nigeria, focusing on kidnapping, armed robbery, and drug abuse/trafficking in relation to the Calabar Carnival. Employing a survey design, data from 384 respondents were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Simple linear regression analysis indicates a significant association between kidnapping, armed robbery, drug abuse/trafficking, and sustainable tourism, particularly the Calabar Carnival. Recommendations include prioritizing local community involvement in tourism management to address security concerns, enhancing security personnel training in tourism education and modern policing techniques, and allocating increased funding for alternative means of subsistence for indigenous populations. These measures aim to mitigate negative impacts, encourage tourism, and foster sustainability in the region.