NSECURITY IN THE SOCIETY AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE

This study examined the effect of insecurity in society on the hospitality industry in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, with particular emphasis on guest safety and guest loyalty. The study was motivated by the growing concern over insecurity and its implications for hospitality and tourism development. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from management and non-management staff of selected hotels in Abakaliki, namely Bald Eagle Apartment Hotel and Osbon La Palm Hotel. A sample size of 165 respondents was drawn from a population of 282 staff members using Yamane's formula. Structured questionnaires and observation were employed as instruments for data collection, while descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies and percentages were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that insecurity significantly affects hospitality growth by limiting hotel productivity, reducing customer patronage, and creating a negative image for hotel establishments. The study further established that effective guest security enhances guest loyalty, increases customer patronage, generates higher revenue, and encourages investment in the hospitality sector. Findings also indicated a strong relationship between the presence of informal businesses and guest security within hotel environments. In addition, the study showed that the use of government security personnel and digital surveillance systems are among the major strategies employed by hotels to ensure guest safety. The study concluded that insecurity poses a serious threat to the growth and sustainability of the hospitality industry and negatively influences guest confidence and loyalty. It therefore recommended that hotel management should strengthen security operations through improved personnel deployment, modern surveillance technologies, and collaboration with government security agencies. The government should also formulate and enforce policies aimed at reducing insecurity and improving the overall business environment for hospitality and tourism development. The study concluded that insecurity poses a serious threat to the growth and sustainability of the hospitality industry and negatively influences guest confidence and loyalty. It therefore recommended that hotel management should strengthen security operations through improved personnel deployment, modern surveillance technologies, and collaboration with government security agencies. The government should also formulate and enforce policies aimed at reducing insecurity and improving the overall business environment for hospitality and tourism development. Keywords: Insecurity, Hospitality Industry, Guest Safety, Guest Loyalty, Hotel Security, Tourism Development, Abakaliki.