SOCIO ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

1.1 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.

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).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.

1.2 Background of 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 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 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.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Socio-economic importance of tourism to the development of hospitality Industry.

1.3 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. It also contributes to highlight its contribution and create its awareness to the nation.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study

The main aim of the study is to examine the impact of socio-economic contribution of tourism development in the hospitality industry, Ilorin, kwara State. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To examine how tourism has been of great contribution to the socio economic development to the hospitality industry
2. To investigate the employment opportunity relate with tourism development in Kwara State.
3. To assess the 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 ascertain how Nigerians could be encouraged to patronize their local tourism industry and also increase her GDP as contribution from the tourism sector.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• To what extent has tourism been of great contribution to the socio economic development to the hospitality industry?
• Does tourism development of hospitality industry has negatively or positively affected or impacted the socio-economic state of the state, Kwara state?
• What are the main problems of tourism development in Nigerian communities?
• How are the obstacles in tourism planning overcome?
• What are the barriers in front of the implementation of sustainable tourism
• Policies / plans once they are developed?
• What are the implications of politics and power struggle among different stakeholder, groups for tourism planning and development?