IMPACT OF CULTURAL CARNIVAL FESTIVALS ON TOURIST ARRIVALS AND DISEASE INCIDENCE IN CALABAR, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of cultural carnival festivals on tourist arrivals and disease incidence in Calabar, Nigeria. Data were collected from hotel management records and healthcare facilities using a checklist. Geographic Positioning System (GPS) technology was employed to map healthcare facilities, with ArcGIS 10.3 software analyzing spatial distribution using the Average Nearest Neighbour Algorithm. The findings revealed that socio-cultural activities during the carnival attracted tourists from various regions to Calabar. However, there was also an increase in disease incidence linked to the festival. The hypothesis testing indicated a significant clustering of primary healthcare facilities in the city center, with fewer facilities in the outskirts. These results underscore the importance of enhancing disease control and hygiene measures during the festival. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between cultural events and health trends, offering a basis for future comparisons of disease incidence before and after similar events in the area.