Spatial Distribution of Tourism Infrastructure in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi Urban Areas of Anambra State.

One major contributor to the economic sector in many developing countries is Tourism. In Nigeria however, the tourism sector remains relatively underdeveloped. In this study the spatial distribution of tourism infrastructure in major cities like Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi  of Anambra state were examined with the aim of understanding existing patterns and their implication for tourism planning. Various categories of tourism infrastructures such as Hotels, Banks, Schools, Eateries etc. was mapped and analyze using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. In other to determine the spatial distribution of these facilities to know whether they are clustered, random or dispersed, Average Nearest Neighbour analysis was employed. The results of this analysis however revealed that in these major cities there exists predominantly clustered distribution of these tourism facilities with eateries, hotel and leisure being the most dominant. Clustered tourism facilities may however enhance the accessibility and convenience for tourists, but on the other hand it limits the activities to limited area. This study however encourages the need for strategic tourism planning in the state such that there will be a more balanced spatial distribution of tourism infrastructure across the state.