EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN NIGERIA FOR DEVELOPMENTAL GROWTH
Ayeni, Dorcas. A, PhD
Department of Architecture, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Ebohon, O. J, PhD
School of Architecture, Developing World Built and Natural Research Unit, De Montfort University, Leicester, England
Abstract Tourism has become a major source of economic diversification for many countries, underpinning the service sector and forging effective backward and forward linkages with the rest of the economy, allowing new employment and income earning opportunities. Although, the developed countries account for a higher proportion of global tourism, many developing countries are beginning to take advantage of the huge opportunities offered by tourism. However, only developing countries with effective natural and man-made tourism supporting and enhancing infrastructure have been able to develop their tourism sector and seize the attendant advantages. The need for economic diversification in most developing countries is overwhelming because of their defining mono-cultural economic characteristics where only one or two commodities dominate exports and provides the bulk of foreign exchange from which these countries could reconcile their internal and external balances. Nigeria is one such country seeking to diversify its economy away from crude oil production to maximize employment and income generating opportunities. Nigeria has huge tourism potentials, especially given its natural and diversified landscapes but lacks effective and tourism supporting and enhancing infrastructure. While tourism affords huge employment and income generating opportunities, its impact on bio-physical environment is well acknowledged hence the emphasis on sustainable tourism. Indeed, most of Nigeria’s natural landscapes are eco-sensitive areas and exploring them as tourist
References: Adeniran, A. (2012). The Many Enchantments of Idanre Hills,The Guardian Nigeria. Saturday 7 April 2012. Adisa, A. (2010). Idanre HillsOkeIdanre. Retrieved from www.cometonigeria/wheretogo/idanrehill Accessed 16 September 2012 Ajao, A