CHAPTER ONE

1.0    INTRODUCTION

          Tourism overtime have become a strand part of many economies of many countries of the world, serving as a backbone upon which service sectors thrive with a backward and forward interconnectivity; wherewith different counties of the world interrelate along same tide (Ayeni and Ebohon, 2012:126).

          Wherewith the benefits of tourism are a matter of controversy, it cannot be undermine that tourism provides higher returns on invested capitals; effects to increase agriculture production, and employment; generates foreign exchange, government revenue; finance for infrastructure development, and generally increases citizens welfare, helps capitals flights esp. when associated with overseas trips for holiday and proper overall economic growth (Bankole, 2002:77).

          Tourism is a rapidly growing phenomenon and has become one of the largest industries in the world. The impact of tourism varies extremely. On one hand, it plays an important and certainly positive role in the socio economic and political development in destination countries by, for instance, offering new employment opportunities. Also, in certain instances, it may contribute to a broader cultural and understanding by creating awareness, respecting the diversity of cultures and ways of life. On the other hand, it is a tool to create jobs. Tourism has been a major driver of socio-economic development in Western society; it is an alternative strategy for sustainability and diversification of economy for important policy of a good government.

          In recent times, tourism is one of the largest industries that have contributed to the socio-economic growth of many countries especially countries where tourism is the mainstay of her economy, World Tourism Organization (WTO, 1998; cited in Ejaetal, 2012 and Ojo, 2014). Despite the fact that that industry is a vehicle for promoting cultural exchange that enhances international understanding and goodwill among the diverse peoples of the world, it is also a catalyst for enhancing many country destination employment opportunities, foreign exchange and infrastructural facilities (ESCAP, 2002; cited in Ejaetal, 2012).

          The development of tourism as a critical sector of the economy has gradually assumed a centre stage in the economic agenda of most nations of the world. In the past few decades, international attention on tourism as a critical sector of the economy has greatly increased. This is in view of its capacity to quickly stimulate income growth, generate foreign exchange and contribute to domestic earnings of government through fees and taxes (Vanguard Newspaper, June 24, 2011). The interest in tourism by the Nigeria’s government started way back in the 1960s with the Obasanjo’s regime in 1976 establishing the Nigeria Tourism Board (NTB) now Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) via Decree No. 54 of 1976 reviewed to Decree No. 86 of 1991 and giving it a ‘preferred sector’ status respectively. Master Plan on tourism development in Nigeria started in 1982 with a tourism development policy first rolled out in 1990. To further consolidate the quest for quality service delivery in the tourism industry, the government created the Federal Ministry of Tourism and Culture to actualize the dream of catching up with the global train in tourism development (Munzali, 2011).

          Tourism has always been regarded as a means of economic modernization, but has not been seriously considered as a means of social and cultural modernization. The concept of socioeconomic modernization emphasizes improvements in various indicators, including improvement in living conditions and the quality of life and well-being of populations (Owan, 2012).According to Boo (1992), tourism has recently been assumed as the world largest employer of labour and most safe of all the industries with regards to atmospheric pollution. Tourism has been describe by Cross (1998) as an industry of globalization which has witnessed people of different nations. As this happens, new friendships are established, interpretation of cultural differences resulting in greater tolerance occur, and global diversities are better appreciated and understood. Thus, the emergence of a synthetic global culture has been largely predicted since 1956 to become a reality (UNESCO, 2007).

1.1    BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

          Bovina view, in other words the doyen of the Hospitality Industry in Kwara State, Nigeria was established in 1998 by the Boniface Abuidun. Bovina view Hotel is situated on a large expanse of land guaranteeing your security and uninterrupted comfort and leisure in Ilorin, Kwara State. It is also a minute drive to the Ilorin Golf Club. Greatly situated in the heart of the city, the Bovina View Hotel is only 10 minutes' drive away from the Airport. The site of entertainment, as popularly called by the people of the city, Bovina View Hotels harbors varieties of entertainments settings. Bovina View International Hotel is an exclusive and highly rated four-star hotel, known for its excellent services and serene environment. It is located at Opp. Tuyil Pharmaceutical Ltd, New Yidi Road, Ilorin West, Kwara State, Nigeria.

          Kwara State (Yoruba: Ìpínlẹ̀ Kwárà) is a state in Western Nigeria. Its capital is Ilorin. The primary ethnic group of Kwara State is Yoruba, with significant Nupe, Bariba Hausa minorities. Kwara State was created on 27 May 1967, when the Federal Military Government of General Yakubu Gowon broke the four regions that then constituted the Federation of Nigeria into 12 states. At its creation, the state was made up of the former Ilorin and Kabba provinces of the then Northern Region and was initially named the West Central State but later changed to "Kwara", a local name for the River Niger. Important tourist attractions in Kwara State include Esie Museum, Owu Falls, Imoleboja Rock Shelter, Ogunjokoro, Kainji Lake National Parks and Agbonna Hill Awon Mass Wedding in Shao. there is need to develop tourist centers in the state to enhance physical development, a place like owu fall needs standard hotel and a good road, which will encourage people to visit the fall as a picnic center. Agriculture is the main source of the economy and the principal cash crops are: cotton, cocoa, coffee, Kolanut, tobacco, beniseed and palm produce. Mineral resources in the state are Gold, limestone, marble, feldspar, clay, kaolin, quartz and granite rocks.

1.2    STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

          Several problems of the world are environmentally, economically, socially and culturally related. Tourism has stimulated the development of a variety of allied infrastructures and facilities. The motivating force behind this study is based on the fact that in the past, there has been no research on tourism development and its socio economic contribution to amongst the State. Based on this, the researcher therefore, is intended to examine the socio-economic contribution of tourism development in the hospitality industry, Kwara State. In other to highlight its contribution and create its awareness to the nation.

1.3    OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

          The main purpose of this study is to examine the impact of socio-economic contribution of tourism development in the hospitality industry, Ilorin, kwara State. Specifically the study is aimed at determining whether:

1.      Tourism has been of great contribution to the socio economic          development to the hospitality industry?

2.      Employment opportunity relate with tourism development in Kwara State.

3.      Tourism development of hospitality industry has negatively or positively affected or impacted the socio-economic state of the state,  Kwara state

4.      To determine how greatly enhance tourism development in hospitality industry

5.      To determine in what ways, Nigeria could redeem her image in order  to attract an increased tourist arrival rate.

6.      To ascertain how Nigerians could be encouraged to patronize their local tourism industry and also increase her GDP as contribution from the tourism sector.

1.4    SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

          This study is significant for the following reasons:

1.      The study is an attempt to explore deeply and make a thorough  research into tourism in Nigeria

2.      The write up is aimed to serve as a consulting material for scholars  who may wish to know more tourism.

3.      This research project would be very useful to people who are interested to take-up tourism as a profession

4.      The study will also analyze the prospects, problems and proffer solutions to the problems confronting the development of tourism and tourist center.

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