CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Tourism is known to create jobs at various levels that are essential to the growth of the rural and national economy (Ekechukwu, 2010). Tourism is now one of the world’s largest industries and one of its fastest growing economic sectors (Creace and Querini, 2011). They further noted that for many countries, tourism is seen as a main instrument for regional development, as it stimulates new economic activities.
Tourism is one of the world’s largest rapidly growing industries. In the 21st century, global economy is driven by three major industries and these are: technology, telecommunication and tourism (Adeleke, 2006). Tourism is a human activity which arises from the economic consequences and preferences of consumers. It also has economic consequences, both good and bad, for nations and their regions (Holloway and Taylor, 2002). Recently, there are many countries that have been rated high based on their tourism activities and how it has affected their economy, for example, Kenya in Africa.
Tourism activity also involves economic costs, including the direct costs incurred by tourism businesses, Government costs for infrastructure to better serve tourists, as well as congestion and related costs borne by individuals in the community. Community decisions over tourism often involve debates between industry proponents touting tourism’s economic impacts (benefits) and detractors emphasizing tourism’s costs. Sound decisions rest on a balanced and objective assessment of both benefits and costs and an understanding of who benefits from tourism and who pays for it. Tourism’s economic impacts are therefore an important consideration in state, regional and community planning and economic development. Economic impacts are also important factors in marketing and management decisions. Communities therefore need to understand the relative importance of tourism to their region, including tourism’s contribution to economic activity in the area (Daniel, 2013).
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 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.