This study assessed amenities and service categories in event centres in Calabar, with emphasis on physical comfort, hygiene and sanitation, technological infrastructure, safety and security, accessibility and parking, and food and beverage services. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional convergent mixed-methods design involving quantitative questionnaires and qualitative key informant interviews. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected using multi-stage sampling techniques comprising stratified random sampling and purposive sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. Findings revealed that weddings and religious events constituted the highest categories of events attended in Calabar Municipality, while hotel halls and convention centres were the most frequently utilised event venues. The results further showed that all amenity dimensions had positive and significant relationships with overall attendee satisfaction. Safety and security exhibited the strongest relationship with satisfaction (r = .642, p < 0.01), followed by hygiene and sanitation (r = .623, p < 0.01) and physical comfort amenities (r = .537, p < 0.01). The study concluded that the quality and adequacy of event centre amenities significantly influence customer satisfaction, behavioural intentions, and repeat patronage. The study therefore recommends continuous investment in facility maintenance, improved technological infrastructure, enhanced sanitation practices, and better accessibility management to improve customer experiences and strengthen the competitiveness of event centres in Calabar Municipality.
Eyong et al. (Sun,) studied this question.