Tourism and Economic Development of Splash Park in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Tourism's role in economic development is well-documented globally. This study focuses on Splash Park in Kaduna State, Nigeria, to assess the economic impact of tourism activities. It examines factors shaping economic benefits and the contribution of visitor spending to Kaduna State's economic development through tourism at Splash Park. Data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to park visitors and stakeholders. A stratified sampling technique was employed, and a total of 300 respondents participated in the survey. The findings of the study reveal a majority (75%) perceives tourism's impact on Kaduna State as positive or very positive, aligning with the hypothesis that "tourism activities within Splash Park have a significant positive impact on the state's economic development." Respondents identified visitor spending (95%), local business development (80%), and employment generation (70%) as key factors driving economic benefits. These findings align with the hypothesis that "factors such as visitor spending, employment generation, and local business development significantly influence the economic benefits derived from tourism in Splash Park. The study's findings underscore the potential of tourism as a catalyst for economic development in Kaduna State. Recognizing the importance of visitor spending, local business growth, and job creation highlights opportunities for targeted development and policy interventions in the tourism sector. Thus, this study offers empirical evidence of the positive economic impact of tourism activities within Splash Park in Kaduna State. The findings emphasize the critical role of visitor spending, local business development, and employment generation. Moreover, the study provides practical recommendations for enhancing the economic impact of tourism and fostering sustainable growth in the region.