Post-Ebola Financial Analysis of the Economic Fortunes of the Tourism/Hospitality Sub-Sector in Cross River State, Nigeria (Published)
This study was a post-Ebola analysis of the impact of the dreaded disease (Ebola) on the tourism and hospitality industry, with particular reference to Eateries, Hotels, Guest Houses and allied businesses in Cross River State, Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the extent of the scare on consumption of the tourism/hospitality industry’s goods and services resulting from the outbreak of the Ebola virus crisis. The goods and services in focus include forest products which were vulnerable to contamination by primary carriers of Ebola disease, while the services include bed spaces, which constitute essential demands of tourists. The trades most affected were hunting, eateries, forest products (including bush meat), etc. Survey design was adopted in the study. The data gathered were statistically analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Results indicate that: the financial viability of forest products (including local bush meat) and other allied businesses are still significant; and the profitability of tourism/hospitality businesses in Cross River State, Nigeria, still significant, especially after the World Health Organization (WHO) had issued a “No-Ebola” certification on Nigeria. The study is concluded by recommending proper education for operators in the tourism/hospitality sub-sector whose products and services were the most vulnerable during the Ebola crisis, on the need to switch to alternative businesses that will preserve the eco-system in compliance with the pursuit of the global Green-House Gas emission minimization.
Keywords: Businesses., Financial Analysis, Hospitality, Post-Ebola, Tourism