Festival tourism and socioeconomic development: case of Kwahu traditional areas of Ghana

Purpose The place of festivals in national economic development has received increased attention from researchers globally. However, there appears to be a relatively small and disparate literature on the subject especially within Ghanaian context. study seeks contribute global recognition as developmental tools thus presents effects festival tourism socio-economic capital people Kwahu traditional area (Ghana) how region engenders benefits businesses community. Design/methodology/approach This is guided by social theory. A quantitative cross-sectional survey utilizing convenience technique was used gather data sample 398 residents selected towns regression model analyse data. Findings findings revealed have positive effect community cohesiveness but not statistically significant. Further, brought gains had negative towns. Research limitations/implications research destination-specific. application other would demand bigger size for generalisation made. Practical implications suggest that growth Ghana actualised, Tourism Authority needs ensure do erode entrenched values negate efforts at developing structures systems putting measures reduce commoditisation communities' cultural authenticity. Law enforcement agents should also massively beefed up curtail crime vices. Originality/value study's extend earlier studies scope literature. found both cohesion area.