Tourism And Economic Development: An Examination of Obudu Cattle Ranch and Its Impact on Host Communities

The study examined the economic significance of Obudu Cattle Ranch on its host community. Two, research questions were raised while two hypotheses developed in line with the specific objectives of the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design was employed in ensuring the better end result in the study. The data for the study was generated using a researchers designed instrument titled "Ranch Economic Impact Questionnaire" REIQ as well as direct interviews ro the inhabitants of the range and it environ. The population of the study was 4,215 inhabitants of Bachere community in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State. The sample of the study was 163 respondents selected using purposive sampling technique. Data collected was analyzed using simple linear regression analysis, tested at a 0.05 significance level. The results showed that Obudu Cattle Ranch generates revenue, creates jobs, and promotes local economic development. The researcher by the virtue of the results in this study recommended among others that State government and tourism development stakeholders invest in infrastructure development as well as promotional activities to enhance tourist arrivals and revenue generation.