Role Of Aviation In Hospitality And Tourism Industry In Nigeria

The purpose of this research work is to examine the role of aviation in hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey using a case study of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos state. Employees, staff and workers in Murtala Muhammed International Airport were chosen as the population. A sample of 100 respondents was selected. A simple random sampling procedure was used for further selection of the sample for the study. Structured questionnaire was administered to respondents and the contents of the questionnaire were clear enough to elicit accurate responses from the selected organization. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used to analyze the research questions. From the findings, the roles were shown to include Aviation facilitates the expansion of travel and tourism (87%), Boosts economic growth and development (88%), Maintains an international standard for the tourism and hospitality industry (92%), Improves national image and perception around the world (89%), Accelerates the movement of tourist from one choice of destination to another (84%), Facilitates inter-regional movement of tourists (88%), Provides a trusted world-wide transportation network necessary for tourism and hospitality business (82%), and Contributes to sustainable development by facilitating tourism and broadening people"s leisure and cultural experiences (93%). The problems are shown to include Airport Facilities (72%), Air Transport Safety (77%), Loss of confidence in Aviation Sector (83%), Access Roads to the Airports (73%), Non-Construction of Perimeter Fencing (65%), Addressing Passenger Complaints (71%), Climatic Changes (79%), and Regulation/Legislation (82%). the strategies to promote the contribution of aviation to the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria were shown to include Institutionalize world-class safety and security standards (81%), Development of Infrastructure (89%), Reformation of institutions, develop capacity and increase professionalism (85%), Transformation key airports into a network of domestic and international hubs (91%), Growth of domestic airlines and create financial stability (84%), Development of airport cities (Aerotropolis) to transform airports into major centres of employment, shopping, trading and business leisure (83%), and Creation of national carriers (82%). In conclusion, aviation is a global business with a goal standards geared towards the safety of lives and engine for sustainable economic development and growth.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

For many decades, the aviation industry has played a significant role in developing economies around the globe. It is reported that there are over two thousand (2,000) airlines operating more than twenty-three thousand (23,000) aircraft that serves about three thousand seven hundred (3,700) airports around the world (Aerospace Global Report, 2011). This makes the industry the gateway to any economy aspiring to develop, enabling globalization, trade facilitation and tourism development. It is very crucial in the promotion of foreign direct investment (FDI) (Ladele, 2012). One can therefore say that the industry is crucial to the growth of the economy and national development. Ladele (2012) in her study of FDI, noted that as the emerging economies grow, their demand for air transportation will grow as their citizens becomes more financially empowered with increased disposable income. Development of air transport infrastructures in these emerging economies will further fuel the growth of the industry. However, Stephens (2011) noted that even with the growth, less than 10% of the population will still be able to afford air travel as the gap between the rich and the poor is rapidly expanding, which prompted him to call for more investment in the land-based transportation.

Stephens (2009) forecasted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation industry will keep growing at an average of 15% domestic traffic so that by 2019 an estimated 12,461,043 million passenger will be carried domestically. An industry with this growth rate should be of great interest. Moreover, it is expected to be a crucial industry in general economic growth promotion for any nation. Therefore, the level of the importance of this industry is best appreciated if its contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) is measured. The analysis will be more meaningful if the industry"s labour force contribution is measured and its significance is assessed in relation to those of other industry in the economy.

Transportation refers to the movement of people and goods from one location to a destination. Transportation is essential to the functioning of any society. It influences the location and range of productive and leisure activities; it affects the location of residence; it influences the range and provision of goods and services available for consumption. It invariably influences the quality of life. Indeed, it has been argued the developments in society can be closely correlated with the introduction of new or improved transport technology.

Air transport is one of the world"s most imperative businesses. Its improvement and specialized administration accomplishments make it one of the significant supporters of the headway of present day societal advancement. The development in the aviation unit can"t be compare by some other significant type of transport because of its detail and new advancements that is going ahead in the area. The above has helped such a great amount in economic and tourism improvement of the country and the world. Interest for air transport administrations has expanded the impact of air transport in the country and worldwide economy, along these lines upgrading fast development of travelers, products and enterprises to the local and world market. This as a result produces higher income to the economy by method for quick in and out stream of merchandise and enterprises. The flight business assumes a vital part in the part of work and recreation to individuals around the globe. The area advances and enhances personal satisfaction, expectations for everyday comforts of individuals inside the country. This produces monetary development and destitution lightening by method for giving business openings, expanding incomes from charges. The employment openings would be created through supply chain transformation from the air terminals (Nwaogbe, Wokil, Omoke, & Asiegbuet., 2013).

According to Edobor (2014) Air transportation has been a noteworthy player in the worldwide tourism industry and furthermore a remarkable development of the 21st century. The aircraft business is extremely unique what"s more, very innovation driven. It has developed from being a monopolistic area to an exceptionally aggressive composes. The deregulation period saw the rise of a few carriers embracing dynamic plans of action and techniques which molded the whole travel and tourism industry. Air transport affects the economy in different ways.

The history of aviation industry in Nigeria is dated to 1925, when the first flight into Nigeria landed in Kano. Aviation has become an integral part of the socio-economic life of the country. The development of airlines industry since then has been characterized by many opportunities, some gains and values. Mr. Bud Carpenter, who frequently undertook high-risk flights from Kano to Lagos, started the commercial airline business using the rail tracks as his guide (Deba, 2005). Nigeria had its first commercial flight in 1935. As a result of the series of economic activity in Nigeria, in particular, oil industry business, the aviation industry has been witnessing increase patronage which in turn generates high tax revenue and boom in tourism. In 2010, International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) in United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies Nigeria aviation with Category 1 Status because of the high performance in the air transport sector (aviation industry) (Abraham, Saheed, & Chinyere 2015).

As of 2014, the total number of international airports in Nigeria was nine (9) and domestic airport were twenty-two (22), apart from other landing stations for private organizations and the Nigerian military. The movement of both aircraft and passengers vary due to the economic situation of the country (origin-destination) and season. Air transport travelers conveyed in Nigeria was recorded at 3,752,531 as of 2013, as per the World Bank. Air travelers conveyed incorporate both local and global airplane travelers of air carrier enlisted in the nation. Air Nigeria (initially "Virgin Nigeria Airways" and after that "Nigerian Eagle Airlines") was the national banner carrier of Nigeria, which operated scheduled local and reginal traveler services. The aircraft"s base was Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, its head office was located in Lagos Island and its registered office was in Ikoyi, Lagos State (Owoputi, 2015).

Late years have seen considerable enhancements in the aeronautics business. The breaking down and non-operational facilities, for example, ventilating and baggage belt have been repaired. The whole airplane terminal has been cleaned and numerous new eateries and duty free stores are opened. Respective air services agreement enter into amongst Nigeria and different nations are being restored and new ones signed. These treaties have seen any likeness of Turkish aircraft; Emirates Ocean Air, Delta and China Southern Airlines Express concern and get landing rights to Nigeria"s biggest international Airport (ATAG 2012).

1.2 Statement of Problem

Air Transportation is the transportation of passengers and cargo by aircraft and helicopters. It is a transport system that involves the movement or carriage by air of persons or goods using airplanes and helicopters (WIE, 2011).It has become the primary means of common carrier traveling. Greatest efficiency and value are obtained when long distances are involved and high value payloads are moved, although, the time and cost efficiencies obtained decreases as distances traveled is reduced, air transport is often worthwhile even for relatively short distances. It also provides a communication link, which is sometimes vital, between the different groups of people involved (WIE, 2011).

Nigeria is classified as an emerging market and is rapidly approaching middle income status with its abundant supply of resources; well-endowed communication, financial sector and stock exchange (Wikipedia, 2011).Such a country and its economy needs efficient air transportation. Furthermore, the large size of the country coupled with geographically diverse regions, difficult terrain, water bodies etc necessitates the use of efficient air transportation. Efficient air transportation is a means of transport that conveys people and goods from one place to another safely, on time without delay or flight cancellation or any other problem. It also contributes to economic growth and development. However in Nigeria, it suffers from poor reputation for operational efficiency and safety (Wikipedia, 2011). The aim of this paper is to undertake overview of aviation and recommend how it can be made efficient for economic growth and development of the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria.

1.3 Research Objectives

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of aviation in hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria.

Specifically, the objectives include:

To identify the role that aviation plays in the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria

To determine the problems and challenges of the aviation industry in Nigeria

To identify the strategies to promote the contribution of aviation to the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria

1.4 Research Questions

This project is designed to tackle the following reach questions;

What is the role that aviation plays in the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria

What are the problems and challenges of the aviation industry in Nigeria

What are the strategies to promote the contribution of aviation to the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria

1.5 Research Hypothesis

The following null hypotheses were formulated to guide the study the hypothesis is to be tested at 0.5 alpha levels.

HO1: There is no significant influence of aviation on the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria

HA1: There is a significant influence of aviation on the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria

1.6 Significance of the Study

The study will be of benefit to all stakeholders in the Aviation sector particularly the Airline Operators, the travelling public and the Governments of Nigeria. The need to ensure adequate infrastructural development and control over air safety by following the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices strictly in other to ensure the sustainability of local airlines contribution to economy development will be the focus of this study. The gradual approach to liberalization in the form of intra and extra regional co-operation will be highlighted with a view to assisting the Government via the regulator to develop the political will to implement and sustain the provisions of the Yamoussoukro decisions.

The Airlines will find the study useful as they may find sense in mergers and acquisition in order to compete favourably with the big airlines in the advanced economies of the world and join the "global alliance" groupings. Also the study will help to enhance the contemporary issue of billing, aviation fuel price and business models of airlines as it affect airlines role in their contribution to their primary economy.

1.7 Scope of Study

The study sought to examine the role of aviation in hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria. Precisely, the focus of this work will be on Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos state. The staff and workers in the airport will be the respondents for the study.

1.8 Limitation of the Study

In the course of this study, the researcher encountered some limitations. There was unwillingness of respondents to fill the questionnaires. Some of the copies questionnaires were also reported missing and it was severally replaced and this affected the researcher negatively finance wise. Also, the researcher faced time constraints and had to combine the research with other academic activities and coursework. Lastly, the researcher selected Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos state to represent the aviation sector.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Aviation:

Is the activities surrounding mechanical flight and the aircraft industry. Aircraft includes fixed-wing and rotary-wing types, morphable wings, wing-less lifting bodies, as well as lighter-than-air craft such as hot air balloons and airships.

Hospitality Industry:

The hospitality industry is a broad category of fields within the service industry that includes lodging, food and drink service, event planning, theme parks, travel and tourism. It includes hotels, tourism agencies, restaurants and bars.

Tourism Industry:

The tourism industry, also known as the travel industry, is linked to the idea of people travelling to other locations, either domestically or internationally, for leisure, social or business purposes.

1.10 Organisation of the Study

This study is organized into five chapters. Chapter one included the background of the study, research problem, research objectives and questions as well as limitation of the study. Chapter two contains the literature review. Chapter three includes the methodology and study area. Chapter Four contains the results and discussion of key findings of the study. Chapter Five finally looks at the summary, conclusions, and recommendations based on the findings.

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