Tourism Industry; An In-Road To Cultural Upliftment

The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of tourism to the tourist sites in Abeokuta, with particular reference to Olumo rock. Tourism is a vital source of both public as well as private income, source of foreign exchange earnings. It is one of the most important sectors in generating employment opportunities to unskilled, semi-skilled and skilled human resources. Despite of all the economic benefits, tourism can also be a threat to natural environment where the tourist attraction exist. In order to fulfil the objectives of this study, both secondary and primary sources of data were used. A total of fifty two respondents participated in this research. The study found that Tourism has both negative and positive impacts to the tourist attraction. The study established that, negative impacts appeared to a large extent; hence the study suggests various ways to overcome the problems. According to the findings, the study concluded that,tourist sites attractions along the coast of Abeokuta present many opportunities and challenges for sustainable tourism development. Many of the attractions, however, need a great deal of work in terms of rehabilitation, management and promotion. Since different attractions are under the supervision of many different agencies, it is important to take a comprehensive approach that creates and sustains management program. The study recommends that tourism management plans have to be developed and implemented on a pilot basis which can develop into a sustainable financing mechanism for the management and protection of these important resources.

Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing global tourism markets. Culture and creative industries are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness. Many locations are now actively developing their tangible and intangible cultural assets as a means of developing comparative advantages in an increasingly competitive market place, and to create local distinctiveness in the face of globalisation.

The impact of tourism industry on cultural upliftment examines the growing relationship between tourism and culture, and the way in which they have together become major drivers of destination attractiveness and competitiveness. Based on the case study. Olumo rock in Abeokuta, that illustrate the different facets of the relationship between the culture, tourism and regional attractiveness, and the policy interventions which can enhance the relationship, this research work shows how a strong link between tourism industry and cultural upliftment can be forestered to assist places become more attractive to tourists, as well as increasingly their competitiveness as locations to live work and invest in.

This project is essential reading for academic national and local policy makers and practitioners and all those in the tourism sector who wish to understand the tourism industry as an in-road to cultural upliftment.

1.2 Statement of the Study

It is eronously believed that our cultural heritage is gradually being pushed aside by technological advancements. Therefore, this research work is interested in finding answers to how the tourism industry can enhance the cultural upliftment within the relationship between tourism industry and cultural upliftment.

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The main propose of this study is to examine the importance of tourism to human existence, relationship between culture and tourism industry, culture, tourism, an in-road to cultural upliftment.

1.4 Research Question

The following questions were put forward to further assist in focusing the researcher"s attention with regards to the tourism industry as an in-road to cultural upliftment.

What is tourism industry?

What is culture and cultural upliftment?

What relationship exists between tourism and culture?

How can we make tourism industry to be an essential tool for cultural upliftment?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

Taking a cue from the research questions above, the researcher put forward the following hypothetical statements.

Culture and tourism are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness.

Tourism is envisaged as leading to the management of all resources in such away that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes and biologic al diversity.

Tourism industry provides employment for people involved in that sector and it is a means by which the culture of people of particular place can be shown and sell to the whole world.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This research work is limited to Olumo rock which is a major tourist destination in Abeokuta Ogun State.

1.7 Limitation of the Study

In the course of this research work, the researcher encountered problems such as financial and time constraints, lack of right and informative materials and journals.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Tourism:

Is the travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes.

Industry:

The production of goods from raw materials especially in factories.

Tourism Industry:

This is the business of providing things for people to do, places for them to stay etc. while they are on holiday.

Tourists:

Someone who is traveling or visiting a place for people to do.

• Hotel / Catering / Tourism Project Topics and Materials