The Igbo area of Nigeria and other parts of Africa has unique natural environment coupled with the rich sociocultural
characteristics making one of the notable beehives of heritage tourists. This is peculiar to areas with
harnessed heritage tourism potentials. The major challenge has been the knowledge of the availability of heritage
tourism potentials, indispensable contribution of heritage tourism to socio-economic development, and
sustainable development and management of heritage resources for tourism promotion. Imo, as one of the 36
states of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is distinguished amongst other states in the Igbo area of Nigeria with
great potentials of heritage tourism development. This is made manifest in the availability of various classes of
heritage resources that are evenly distributed amongst various communities in the state. This paper had an indepth
study on the heritage resources in Imo State and their various classes. The paper also looked at various
developmental stratagem and models towards ensuring a sustainable heritage tourism development in the state
for socio-economic development and preservation of the heritage resources and rich value system of the people