SOCIO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

SOCIO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

CHAPTER ONE

1.0    INTRODUCTION

As a backbone upon which service sectors thrive with a backward and forward interconnectivity, tourism has over time become a significant component of many economies in many countries around the world. As a result, different countries around the world now interact on a similar tide (Ayeni and Ebohon, 2012:126).

While the advantages of tourism are debatable, it cannot be denied that it increases capital investment returns, increases employment and agricultural production, generates foreign currency and government revenue, funds the construction of infrastructure, improves citizen welfare generally, encourages capital flights, especially when connected to vacations abroad, and promotes overall economic growth (Bankole, 2002:77).

The tourism industry is one of the biggest in the world and is experiencing rapid growth. The result

As a backbone upon which service sectors thrive with a backward and forward interconnectivity, tourism has over time become a significant component of many economies in many countries around the world. As a result, different countries around the world now interact on a similar tide (Ayeni and Ebohon, 2012:126).

While the advantages of tourism are debatable, it cannot be denied that it increases capital investment returns, increases employment and agricultural production, generates foreign currency and government revenue, funds the construction of infrastructure, improves citizen welfare generally, encourages capital flights, especially when connected to vacations abroad, and promotes overall economic growth (Bankole, 2002:77).

The tourism industry is one of the biggest in the world and is experiencing rapid growth. The result

by the World Tourism Organization (WTO, 1998; cited in Ejaetal, 2012 and Ojo, 2014). Despite the fact that this industry serves as a means of fostering cultural exchange that improves global understanding and goodwill among the many different peoples of the world, it also serves as a catalyst for improving many of the destinations’ employment prospects, foreign exchange, and infrastructure (ESCAP, 2002; cited in Ejaetal, 2012).

The growth of tourism as a vital economic sector has gradually risen to the top of the economic agenda in the majority of countries around the world. International interest in tourism as a crucial economic sector has grown significantly over the last few decades. This is due to its ability to produce foreign exchange and quickly stimulate income growth. and generate revenue for the government at home through fees and taxes (Vanguard Newspaper, June 24, 2011). The Nigerian government first became interested in tourism in the 1960s, and under the Obasanjo administration in 1976, the Nigeria Tourism Board (NTB), which is now the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), was established and given the status of a “preferred sector” by Decree No. 54 of 1976, which was later revised to Decree No. 86 of 1991. The first iteration of Nigeria’s tourism development master plan, which began in 1982, was released in 1990. The Federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture was established by the government to actualize the dream of catching up to the global train in tourism in order to further consolidate the pursuit of high-quality service delivery in the tourism industry.

development (Munzali, 2011). (Munzali, 2011).

Tourism has always been seen as a way to modernize the economy, but it hasn’t been given much thought as a way to modernize society and culture. The idea of socioeconomic modernization places an emphasis on improvements in a number of metrics, including livability, quality of life, and population wellbeing (Owan, 2012). According to Boo (1992), tourism is now thought to be the industry that employs the most people globally and presents the least risk of atmospheric pollution. Cross (1998) described tourism as a globalization-related industry that has hosted visitors from various countries. As a result, new friendships are formed, cultural differences are understood, leading to greater tolerance, and the world’s diversity is better appreciated and understood. Thus,

Since 1956, the emergence of a synthetic global culture has been widely predicted to occur (UNESCO, 2007).

Background of the study (1.1)

The Boniface Abuidun founded Bovina View in 1998, making it the apex of the hospitality sector in Kwara State, Nigeria. In Ilorin, Kwara State, the Bovina View Hotel is situated on a sizable parcel of land that ensures your safety, unhindered comfort, and leisure. The Ilorin Golf Club is a minute’s drive away as well. The Bovina View Hotel is ideally located in the city’s center and is just 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. The city’s residents refer to Bovina View Hotels as the entertainment district because it houses a variety of entertainment venues. Infinite View

The International Hotel is a luxurious, four-star establishment renowned for its superior services and tranquil setting. Opp. Tuyil Pharmaceutical Ltd, New Yidi Road, Ilorin West, Kwara State, Nigeria is where you can find it.

Western Nigeria’s Kwara State (Yoruba: pnl Kwárà) is a state. Ilorin is its capital city. Yorubas make up the majority of the population in Kwara State, with sizable Nupe and Bariba Hausa minorities. The four regions that at the time made up the Federation of Nigeria were divided into 12 states on May 27, 1967, by the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon. The state was initially known as the West Central State and comprised the former Ilorin and Kabba provinces of the then Northern Region.

changed to “Kwara,” the River Niger’s regional name. Esie Museum, Owu Falls, Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, Kainji Lake National Parks, and Agbonna Hill Awon Mass Wedding in Shao are a few notable tourist destinations in Kwara State. A place like owu fall needs a standard hotel and a good road, which will encourage people to visit the fall as a picnic destination. This will help the state’s physical development. The main economic driver is agriculture, and the main cash crops are cotton, cocoa, coffee, Kola nuts, tobacco, beniseed, and palm products. Gold, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz, and granite rocks are among the state’s mineral resources.

Statement of the problem: 1.2

Several of the world’s issues include

related in terms of the environment, economy, society, and culture. A variety of related infrastructures and facilities have grown as a result of tourism. Since there has never been any research on the growth of tourism and its socioeconomic impact on the State, this study’s motivation comes from that fact. Based on this, the researcher’s goal is to investigate the socioeconomic impact of tourism growth in the Kwara State hospitality sector. To draw attention to its importance and raise public awareness of it.

1.3.1 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Examining the socioeconomic impact of tourism growth on the hospitality sector in Ilorin, Kwara State, is the primary goal of this study. The study specifically seeks to answer the following questions:

1. Vacationing

has made a significant contribution to the hospitality industry’s socioeconomic development?

2. Kwara State has employment opportunities related to the growth of tourism.

3. The growth of the tourism and hospitality industries has had an impact on the socioeconomic situation in the state of Kwara, either positively or negatively.

4. To determine how much to boost tourism development in the hospitality sector

5. To identify the ways in which Nigeria might improve her reputation in order to draw more tourists.

6. To determine how Nigerians can be persuaded to support their local tourism industry and boost her GDP through the sector’s contribution.

1.4 THE STUDY’S SIGNIFICANCE

The following justifications make this study important:

1. The study is an attempt to explore deeply and make

a thorough investigation of Nigerian tourism

2. The article is intended to be used as a resource by academics who might be interested in learning more about tourism.

3. People interested in pursuing a career in tourism would find this research project to be of great use.

4. The study will also examine the challenges facing the growth of tourism and tourist centers and offer solutions to those challenges.