Turizam Volume 24, Issue 1-2
HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM ENTREPRENEURSHIP: ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Nwokorie, Edwin Chigozie, Adiukwu, Ikenna Kingsley
Abstract: Impeding factors to the operational efficiency of hospitality and tourism enterprises in Imo
State, Southeast Nigeria, were examined in this study. The conceptual model considered if
access to funds, government policies and infrastructure determine the efficiency of hospitality
and tourism enterprises through the impact on sales volume, cost of operation and productivity.
A 21-point questionnaire was administered to 384 respondents of 63 hospitality and tourism
enterprises across the state, in which 311 valid instruments were used for analysis. Means
and standard deviation were measured in relation to the consequent variables. Hypotheses
were tested in Pearson Chi-square to determine significant relationships between the variables
and to justify the research model. The result revealed that poor access to funds, inconsistent
government policies (like multiple taxation) and poor infrastructure affect sales volume, operating
cost and productivity of hospitality and tourism enterprises. The study equally exposed
policy weaknesses of the government in providing enabling environment for sustainable hospitality
and tourism entrepreneurship, thus leading to poor sectoral development and job loss.
Recommendations include the expansion of road networks in the state and prioritization of
waste management processes in order to enhance access to hospitality and tourism locations,
as well as lessen the overwhelming burden of waste disposal which increases the operating cost
of hospitality enterprises.
Keywords: access, administrative barriers, cost, entrepreneurship government; hospitality and
tourism enterprises.
Article info: 13-32
Received: September 2019 | Accepted: February 2020