ABSTRACT

This study examined influence of sports tourism on tourist visit and hotel patronage in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The objectives of the study were to examine the influence of football tournaments on tourist visit in Uyo, to examine the influence of golf tournament on tourist visit in Uyo, to examine the influence of track and field events on tourist visit in Uyo and to examine the influence of tourist visit on hotel patronage in Uyo. The study adopted survey research design. The study was carried out in Uyo metropolis. The sample size was 384 sports tourists and 94 hotel managers. Employing a structured questionnaire, data were collected from 152 sports tourists and 76 hotel managers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted to interpret the data. The simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentage was used to analyze the data gotten and inferential statistics (t test) was used to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal that football tournaments significantly influence tourist visits with the mean ranging from 3.01 to 3.31. The availability of these events is a major factor in destination choice. Similarly, the quality of golf courses and the overall experience of golf tournaments were identified as key determinants for attracting tourists with mean ranging from 2.72 to 3.01. Track and field events also demonstrated substantial appeal, motivating tourists to visit and enhancing their travel experiences with mean ranging from 3.11 to 3.31. Furthermore, the study establishes that increased tourist visits due to these sports events significantly boost hotel patronage in Uyo with mean ranging from 2.95 to 3.89 as indicated by higher booking rates and occupancy levels during event periods. Finally, the hypotheses tested revealed that there is a positive significant influence of football tournaments, golf tournament, track and field events on tourist visit and a positive significant Influence of tourist visit on hotel patronage. The study concludes that sports events are a vital driver of tourism and economic activity in Uyo, underlining the need for strategic investments in sports infrastructure and partnerships between event organizers and the hospitality sector. By fostering such collaborations, Uyo can strengthen its position as a preferred destination for sports tourism, contributing to the state's broader tourism development goals.