Impact Of Tourism Development On Economy Growth Of Ekiti State

This study was carried out to examine the impact of tourism development on economy growth of Ekiti State. The study was specifically carried out to explore tourism potentials of Ekiti state; determine whether there is a significant relationship between tourism and economic development; ascertain the contributions of tourism on the economy of Ekiti State; and identify the challenges of tourism in Ekiti state. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprise of staff of the selected tourism centers in Ekiti state. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 67 respondents and 60 were validated. Self-constructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables, and mean scores. While the hypotheses were tested using Pearson Correlation statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that there is a significant relationship between tourism and economic development as it serves as a source of revenue generation, contributes to the provision and maintenance of social amenities, generate employment opportunities, and enhances business opportunities and turnover. The study also revealed that the challenges of tourism in Ekiti state includes; inadequate infrastructures, lack of adequate awareness, insecurity, crime and loss of authenticity. Therefore, it is recommended that the effort of the government of Ekiti State should be directed towards the provision of a conducive business environment for tourism investors to be attracted to the state. Hence, enhance the chances of getting her locals being employed in the sector. To mention but a few.

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

Tourism is a rapidly growing phenomenon and has become one of the largest industries in the world. The impact of tourism varies extremely. Tourism is an instrument of economic regeneration and stability, hence, if properly harnessed, it has the capacity to create wealth, empower the people and generate employment opportunities(Okoli 2001). On one hand, it plays an important and certainly positive role in the socio-economic and political development in destination countries by, for instance, offering new employment opportunities. Also, in certain instances, it may contribute to a broader cultural and understanding by creating awareness, respecting the diversity of cultures and ways of life. On the other hand, it is a tool to create jobs. Tourism has been a major driver of socio-economic development in Western society; it is an alternative strategy for sustainability and diversification of economy for important policy of a good government.
Tourism development in any nation or country has environmental, social, economic, cultural and political impacts affecting every other aspects or sectors of the nation. Nigeria is a nation with various tourist attractions that are categorized under the various types of tourism people engage in, depending on their interest. The development of tourism in Nigeria has given it the opportunity to impact the economy of Nigeria, thereby competing with the oil sector.

Ekiti State is greatly endowed with tourist resources relative to other countries of the world(Okoli 2001). Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Assessment on Nigeria in 2012 by the World Travel and Tourism Council(World Economic Forum 2012), revealed that the Ekiti State has the required tourist resources to enhance her economic landscape and hence, witness steady growth economically. The report affirmed that tourist resources in Ekiti State fall into hotels or resorts, recreational parks, wildlife, natural sceneries, cultural festivals, historical relics and monuments, hence, richly blessed with abundant tourist resources(Bello, 2012). In view of the above, this study seek to examine the impact of tourism development on economy growth of Ekiti State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although tourism plays an important role in the economy of some countries, tourism in Africa continent is yet to reach its full economic maturity (Nwosu, 2002). It has been observed that tourism in Nigeria still suffers from neglect because the local, state and federal governments of Nigeria are still indifferent to tourism development despite the preferred status accorded the accorded the sector (Edun, 2009). Based on this, Nigeria as a country has several potentials that have not been given attention.

Ekiti state is a state in the country endowed with a vast land of tourist attraction which visitors will find intriguing and captivating. According to Ayodele (2002), resources such as beautiful climate with good sunshine, pleasant beach fronts, cultural values and historic potentials abound; but for varied reasons, these potentials are neither fully exploited nor turned to good advantage. Various tourist attractions and most species of flora and fauna adapted to the state are threatened not withstanding their economic importance. Few of these sites have only being a recreation center with array of flora, fauna and tourism features that have being neglected; while most are yet to be discovered and developed.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of the study is to examine the impact of tourism development on economy growth of Ekiti State. The specific objectives is as follows;

To explore tourism potentials of Ekiti state.

To determine whether there is a significant relationship between tourism and economic development.

To ascertain the contributions of tourism on the economy of Ekiti State.

To identify the challenges of tourism in Ekiti state.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following questions consistent with the research objectives;

What are some of the major tourism potentials of Ekiti state?

Is there a significant relationship between tourism and economic development?

What are the contributions of tourism on the economy of Ekiti State?

What are the challenges of tourism in Ekiti state?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no significant relationship between tourism and economic development.

Ha: There is a significant relationship between tourism and economic development.

1.6 Significance of the Study

Nigeria as a nation is endowed with both natural and material resources that can be harnessed to aid the economic development of the country by providing revenue and foreign exchange. Tourism plays significant roles in socio-economic development of many nations if properly managed and harnessed.

This study brings to light the tourism potentials of Ekiti state, challenges and impact of tourism on the socio-economic development of Ekiti state. The study will aid policy makers in various institutions and machineries of government to take informed decisions on matters concerning hospitality and tourism in the state.

The study will also serve as a foundation for other student researchers who have interest in furthering their research studies on the subject matter.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study shall focus on the impact of tourism development on economy growth. Empirically, the study shall discuss the contributions of tourism to socioeconomic development. Geographically, the study shall be conducted in some selected tourism centers in Ekiti State.

1.8 Limitations of the Study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the absence of literature on brand switching behaviour of consumers. Thus much time and organization was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection. Also the study is limited in sample size and geography covering only Ekiti state. Therefore findings of this study cannot be used for generalization thus creating a gap for further studies.
Also encountered was time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research in addition to attending lectures and other educational activities required of him.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Tourism:

This refers to travel for pleasure; also the theory and practice of touring, the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, and the business of operating tours.

Socio-Economic:

Relating to or concerned with the interaction of social and economic factors.

1.10 Organizations of the Study

The study is categorized into five chapters. The first chapter presents the background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the study, research questions and hypothesis, the significance of the study, scope/limitations of the study, and definition of terms. The chapter two covers the review of literature with emphasis on conceptual framework, theoretical framework, and empirical review. Likewise, the chapter three which is the research methodology, specifically covers the research design, population of the study, sample size determination, sample size, and selection technique and procedure, research instrument and administration, method of data collection, method of data analysis, validity and reliability of the study, and ethical consideration. The second to last chapter being the chapter four presents the data presentation and analysis, while the last chapter(chapter five) contains the summary, conclusion and recommendation.

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