A STUDY OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS AND INDIVIDUAL’S PROPENSITY TO

DOMESTIC RECREATION AND TOURISM PARTICIPATION IN EDO STATE

BY
UDI ISAAC ONIOVOSA
MATRIC. NO. UNAD/MRT/2005/008

BEING A SERMINA PAPER SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ADO EKITI, NIGERIA

SCHOOL OF POST GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND PLANNING
SCIENCE

SEPTEMBER, 2006
Abstract
This study examines the factors influencing demand for domestic recreation and tourism participation in Edo State.
The assertion of this study is that understanding the current constraints to domestic tourism participation in Edo
State is relevant to tourism planning, natural resources management, investment in tourism industry and marketing
of tourist sites. The data for this study were collected through two main sources, namely, the primary and the
secondary sources. However, the use of questionnaire formed the instrument of data collection. Stratified random
sampling technique was employed to select the respondents for the study. The study finds out that such independent
variable factors like individual preference for tourist attractions, and socio-economic factors were positively
associated with the individual’s propensity to tourism participation. On the basis of this finding, such
recommendations like improving accessibility to those attractions that are high in people’s preferences, but currently
low in participation was made. This requires the provision of good and efficient infrastructural facilities and
amenities such as good transportation facilities and access routes to tourist attractions, the provision of good and
affordable accommodation at the various tourist attraction centres and developing appropriate policy or programmes
designed to alleviate the problems constraining individual’s propensity to tourism participation especially problems
of information/publicity, finance, transportation, high cost of accommodation and lack of recreational/tourist
facilities and amenities at tourist centres which are beyond the individual’s control.
Introduction
Tourism has become one of the striking phenomena of our time, as it is today, the greatest generator of economic
wealth. Very few developing African countries such as Tunisia, morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Botswana, Gambia,
Kenya, Cote Divoire, Senegal and Tanzania have for some time now accepted the challenge of international tourism
and are reaping some 'economic benefits associated with tourism development.
However, low income and traditional life styles do not encourage international tourism among African themselves
(Awaritefe, 1993). Also, little or no attention has been devoted to domestic tourism by governments of these
developing African countries. Generally, the tempo of domestic tourism in these countries is rather low. Perhaps,
because, many of the studies on tourism in these countries have focused primarily on international tourism (Sahlit,
1964; Happold, 1971; Erbes, 1973; Williams, 1976; Obadan, 1982). Only a few existing works have examined in
details some aspects of the domestic tourism participation in developing African countries (Ojo, 1979). Interest in
tourism development in most western world is a net earner of foreign exchange and a major contributor to national
balance of payment. Tourism also contributes to national awareness and consciousness especially in diverse socio-
cultural, economic and political differences. Robinson (1979) looks at tourism as having substantial economic
benefits. He argued that tourism generate employment on a large scale and as having multiple effect on nation
economy.
Tourism is comparatively not new to Nigeria in terms of when man started to move from one place to another for
various reasons. But in terms of modern tourism concept which has assumed such a high dimension since world war
ll, Nigeria is young in that the country is just taking up tourism as a serious international business and as an integral
part of her national economy.
Nigeria is a predominantly rural country, so much diverse, both in ecology and culture. The many ecological zones
present a common opportunity for the development of various nature-based tourist attractions. Similarly, the
multiplicity of cultures in the country provides a good setting for the evolution of various cultural heritage-base
tourists’ facilities (lkporukpo, 1993). ‘Domestic patronage’ implies pleasurable visits made to attractive locations by

1
the residents found within the borders of a country (Afolabi, 1993). Akintola and Areola (1982) had argued that
tourism in Nigeria in the early 1980s was in a state of transition from an essentially alien activity involving a very
small number of persons to one that is beginning to embrace greater participation by the locals in trips for pleasure.
Nigeria, the land of pleasures and discoveries is the tourism treasure of Africa. Tourist attractions abound in all parts
of the country due to her geographical position on the world map. The Nigerian tourism “goldmine" consists of:
Eco-Tourism Assets: Nature-based tourism such as National Parks, Game-Reserves, Vegetation, Climate/Weather,
Water Falls, Thermal and Curative Waters, Sanctuaries and wet land e.t.c. each of these resources offers
opportunities for recreation and relaxation and any conscious effort to develop them, could result in the emergence
of resort centers.
Heritage/Culture-Tourism: The cultural assets, especially the festivals are amongst the most fascinating the world
over. These include the Argungu Fishing Festival, Oshun Festival, Tiv Puppet Show, Durbar displays and other
festivals. The land of a million dances, with museums of finest collections of arts and crafts, palaces, heritage sites
and monuments e.t.c.
Sport Tourism: Nigerians are sport lovers and many have excelled in various sporting activities like soccer,
athletics, golf, tennis as Well as professional and traditional wrestling e.t.c.
Conference/Business ‘Tourism: Nigeria has emerged as one of Africa’s centers for business meeting and
conferences in cities like Abuja, Lagos and Port-Harcourt. Tourist centers in these cites include the international
conference centre, Ecowas building, National Stadium as well as the National Threatre in Abuja and Lagos.
Beach Tourism: Nigeria has over 800km coastline stretching from Badagry in the West to Calabar in the East. The
coastline is covered with unpopulated sandy beaches ready for investment. Prominent areas and sites are Lagos,
Escravos, Port-Harcourt, Bonny and lbeno beaches among others. Beach tourism could be explored as a source of
earning for the countiy. Since Nigeria is blessed with vast and naturally beautiful beaches, the development of
coastal beaches could attract foreign and local tourists.
Holiday Resort: There are leisure and holiday resorts developed around natural physical attractions, like the Obudd
Cattle Ranch Resort, the Farin Ruwa Water Falls, lkogosi Warm Spring Resort, Whispering Palm, Badagry, Pont-
Harcourt tourist Beach.
Adventure/Safari: Mountain/Plateau experiences, rock climbing, trekking e.t.c.
Rural Tourism: Village life styles, farm houses/settlements, ranches, plantations, hunting, historic districts and
gardens.
Most of the tourist attractions in Nigeria have both historical, religious, cultural and vegetation importance.
Although, some of these attractions are under-utilized, the social and economic importance of these sites has made
Nigeria a focus of attention for all travelers and visitors from within and outside the country.
Nigeria is a predominantly rural country. The rural communities in most parts of Nigeria possess considerable
potential for the development of tourist attractions. This is because it is in such areas that nature and the cultural
heritage have been less disturbed, compared to an urban setting. Beautiful natural scenarios as well as cultural
artifacts are far more available in the rural communities than in the urban areas (lkporukpo, 1993).
Taking cognizance of Nigeria’s unique geographical location, her ancient historical background, her very rich
ecological and cultural diversity, her over 250 ethnic groups, her almost limitless mineral Wealth, her very
hospitable people, the nearly 12 months of yearly sunshine, her position, herself as a country with rather unlimited
potentials for tourism development.
Sadly, the level of domestic patronage of tourist and recreational centre in Nigeria is rather low. Furthermore, while
the prevalent leisure attitude of the Nigerian worker is to go back to the home town or village and spend time with
kinsmen and friends, the Nigerian elite prefer to go to Europe or North America.
However, as viewed by Ojo (1978), Nigeria has not yet projected a bright mental picture of its tourism potential
destination. The prevalent option is focused on international tourism to the virtual non-existence of essential
amenities and infrastructural facilities need for tourism in most tourist centres.
Tourism, in all its facets, is now recognized as a potential boom given its capacity to generate foreign exchange;
provide employment opportunity; promote rural-urban integration; promote rural-based tourism enterprises and
promote social integration. This recognition is in keeping with the current economic and social policies of the
present administration, which has since been translated into the following measures aimed at meeting the challenges
of tourism development:a. Packaging, approval and formal launching of a “Tourism Policy” for the` country whose
provisions include infrastructural development, monetary and fiscal incentives; active private sector participation
and decentralization of tourism administration.
b. Acceptance of Government of Tourism as a “preferred” sector.
c. Re-organization of the operational arm of tourism administration in the country to facilitate a more effective and
purposeful tourism development and promotion.

2
d. Commissioning of a Tourism Strategic Development Plan of tourist attractions in the country whose report has
since been completed and submitted.
e. Production of a longer-term National Tourism Development Master Plan which is already in its first phase of
implementation.
f. Institution of a National Hotel and Tourism Training Scheme as fore-runner to the establishment of a Hotel and
Tourism Training Institute at Bagauda, Kano, in cooperation with the United Nations. Development Programme
(UNDP) and International Labour Organization (ILO) to produce the human resources development capacity for the
industry (llesanmi, 1991).
Rapid urbanization and improved transportation, political decisions such as a change to a five-day working work or
declaration of public holidays have further increased the desire for recreation and consequently the demand for
tourism and recreational facilities. In spite of societal changes and the need to provide outdoor recreational facilities,
planning for adequate infrastructures and tourist amenities at recreational centres has often been neglected.
Moreover, socio-economic and cultural factors constitute constraints to individual’s propensity to domestic
patronage of tourist and recreational sites in Nigeria. Publicity/information on preferred tourist attractions is crucial
to the effective development and expansion of domestic tourism (Robinson, 1976). However, this aspect has been
ignored in the Nigeria situation (Awaritefe, 1987).
The aim of this work is to examine the preferences and constraints to domestic patronage of tourist and recreational
centres in Edo State.
Therefore, the objectives of the study are:
1. To identity the various tourism potentials in Edo State.
2. To ascertain factors constraining the individuals propensity to domestic tourism participation in Edo
State
An area and of significance is the benefit that practicing administrators and managers could derived from the
findings recommendations of the study. The findings and postulations could help in enhancing interest in the
development of countryside tourism potentials, since the rural areas posses more of the potentials for the
development of tourist attraction.
This study is significant to Edo State Government because domestic patronage of tourist attractions in the state
means more activities, more scenes and more capital attractions to the state. The development of tourist amenities
and infrastructures indirectly addresses and solve the problem of parity of infrastructure in rural development.
The level of participation in domestic tourism in Nigeria is very low. Whereas, the Nigerian elite prefers to take part
in international tourism, a considerable proportion of the population in Nigeria cannot afford tourism partly because
of the high and increasing cost of international tourism. The under-development of domestic tourism, therefore, has
the danger of taking tourism and with it, vacations, completely out of the reach of this segment of the population.
Yet vacations are useful to the health and productivity of the labour force. Development of tourism is therefore
necessary as a means of extending tourism down-market and encouraging more Nigerians to take vacations in the
interest of their health and national productivity.
Understanding current tourism attitudes, preferences for tourist sites and constraints to domestic tourism
participation is significant as a first step in understanding, at the grassroots levels, the current constraints to
individuals, propensity to domestic tourism participation in Nigeria.
This research work covers the level of domestic patronage of tourist and recreational centres in Edo State. The study
covers such areas as the various tourism potentials and the ways to develop and maintain. Also` discussed in this
study are such issues as current tourism attitudes, preferences for tourist and constraints to individual’s propensity
for participation in domestic tourism, especially with respect to rural areas. This line of inquiry is important as a first
step in understanding, at the grassroots level, the current constraints to domestic tourism participation in Nigeria,
such a study is relevant to 'tourism planning, natural resources management, investment in the industry and
marketing of tourist attractions (Butler, 1974).
This work is limited entirely to focusing attention on the patronage of tourist and recreational centres as it is related
to Local Government Areas of Edo State.
The sample size was limited as a result of the difficulty of eliciting responses from some respondents who do not
know how to speak and write English Language.
Importance of Tourism to a Destination’s Economy
Tourist travels to destinations to satisfy a range of personal needs, both physical and psychological. Destinations are
places with some forms of actual or perceived boundary, such as those of physical boundaries, political boundaries,
or even market-created boundaries (Philip, et al, 1996). Macro destinations such as Nigeria contains, thousands of
micro destinations; including regions, states, cities, towns and even visitor destination’s within a town.

3
Tourism delivers socio-cultural, economic and environmental benefits which lead to sustainable development to
man and its environment. These benefits vary in both scale and intensity from one destination to the next and
depend, to a large extent on their vulnerability and accessibility to mass markets (Erne and Geoffrey, 1992).
Economic Value of Tourism
The main economic value of tourism relate to foreign exchange earnings, contributions to government revenue,
generation of employment and income, and stimulation to regional development. (Leonard et al, 1997).
One mechanism through which tourism induces or enhances development relates to its foreign earnings component.
Tourism is a major export earner for both developed and developing countries. Foreign exchange earnings from
tourism provide major contribution to the balance of payments in national current account of many countries (Ozo,
1993). Foreign exchange earnings from tourism are the receipts of non-domestic currency earned by selling goods
and services to foreign tourists.
Investment in tourism can also be seen as a means of stemming the outflow of scarce foreign exchange. Since the
foreign trips which tourists of developing countries make to the developed countries do to some extents cause a
considerable outflow of foreign exchange earnings from the country concerned (Belfort, et al 1980); investment in
tourism in these countries will, by providing alternative destinations in the home country, help to stem the demand
for foreign trips and thus the outflow of foreign exchange (Ozo, 1993).
Tourism development has a multiplier effect on other aspects of the country’s economy, as tourist expenditures are
recycled through the local economy (Richard, 1989). Tourist multiplier can be divided into five main types (Leonard
et al, 1997).
(i) Transaction or sales multipliers. An increase in tourist expenditure will generate additional business revenue.
(ii) Output multiplier. This relates the amount of additional outputs generated in the economy as a consequence of an
increase in tourist expenditure.
(iii) Income multiplier. This measure the additional income created in the economy as a consequence of the
increased tourist expenditure.
(iv) Government Revenue Multiplier: This measure the impact on government revenues as a consequence of an
increase in tourist expenditure.
(v) Employment multiplier: This measures the total amount of employment created by an additional unit of tourist
expenditure.
Another economic benefit of tourism is state and local revenues derived from taxes on tourism. Direct contributions
come from charging taxes on private and company incomes generated by tourism employment and business. Indirect
sources of income mainly comprise the range of taxes and duties levied on goods and services supplied to tourists
such as a bed tax - a percentage levied by government on the sales of a night’s accommodation (Lundberg, Stavenga
and Krishnamoorthy, 1995). This income contributes to the adequacy of local services and facilities provided for the
benefit of both residents and visitors.
The most visible economic benefit of tourism is the generation of employment and income for thousand of
unemployed people. Tourism is labour - intensive, the employment generated by tourism is direct and indirect
employment. Direct employments are those jobs created by the need to supply and S€l'V9 tourists. The opening and
maintenance of a tourist hotel and travel facilities as well as the establishment of accompanying services are
important economic incentives for growth and development. However, input from the construction sector and those
workers employed on building tourism facilities constitute indirect employment (Peterson, 1990).
Tourism can promote and facilitate economic activity that supports aspects of regional life. Historical and cultural
sites, scenic, natural landscape, and natural climate all provide focus for development. The poorest people are to be
found in the rural areas. The establishment of tourist facilities and infrastructures in the rural areas is a cost-effective
way of meeting national development objectives (Leonard et al 1997).
A less visible economic benefit of tourism consists of support industries and profession such as yield management
consultants, university tourism professors, and others.
Social and Cultural Benefits of Tourism
Many of the social and cultural effects of tourism are portrayed as being essentially negative, early studies by de
kadt (1976) and O’Grady (1981) have both detailed cases where tourism has caused major changes in the structure,
values and traditions of societies. Tourism guarantees the maintenance of certain original traditions which attract the
holiday maker. Wall and Matheison (1982) advocated the following as the social and cultural benefits of tourism:
(i) Tourism constitutes a method of developing and promoting certain poor or non-industrialized regions, where
traditional activities are on the decline. The development of tourism provides an opportunity for a community to
remain intact and to show the drift to urban environments. Community cohesiveness is often the best way to
conserve tradition and lifestyles. The income and employment opportunities arising from tourism provide stability to
community life.

4
(ii) Tourism accentuates the values of a society which give growing importance to leisure and relaxation, activities
which demand a high-quality environment.
(iii) With proper management, tourism can ensure the long- term conservation of areas of outstanding natural beauty
which have aesthetic and / or cultural value, e.g. National Parks/Game Reserves.
(iv) Tourism may renew local architectural traditions, on the condition that regional peculiarity, the ancestral
heritage and the cultural environment are respected.
(v) Tourism facilitates the revival of traditional arts and crafts and of traditional cultural activities threatened by
extinction in a protected natural environment setting.
(vi) Tourism offer a way to revive the social and cultural life of the local population, thus reinforcing the resident
community, encouraging within country travels or keeping native tourists, attracting young people and favouring
local activities.
Environmental Benefits of Tourism
The tourism industry as a large, diverse and growing sector is an integral part of the national economy and has an
important role in achieving environmental sustainability. It is argued that meeting this sustainability challenge is
essential for the future viability of tourism. This is because more than any other industry, tourism posses a natural
synergy (extra energy ) with the concept. Tourism and travel has been identified as one of the few industries that has
the potential to make a positive contribution to a healthier planet.
If well planned and controlled, tourism can help maintain and improve the environment in various ways as out lined
by (Leonard et al 1997), below:
Conservation of Important Natural Areas
Tourism can help justify and pay for conservation of nature parks, outdoor recreation and conservation areas as
attractions which otherwise might be allowed to deteriorate ecologically.
Conservation of archaeological and Historic Sites
Tourism provides the incentive and helps pay for the conservation of archaeological and historic sites as attractions
for tourists which might otherwise be allowed to deteriorate or disappear.
Improvement of Environmental Quality
Tourism can provide the incentive for ‘cleaning up’ the overall environment through control of air, water and noise
pollution, littering and other environmental problems, and for improving environmental aesthetics through
landscaping programmes, appropriate building design and better maintenance, etc.
Enhancement of the Environment
Development of well-designed tourist facilities may enhance a natural or urban landscape, which is otherwise dull
and uninteresting; this is however, subjective benefit.
Improvement of Infrastructure
Local infrastructures of airports, roads, water and sewage systems, tele-communications etc, can often be improved
through development of tourism, providing economic as well as environmental benefits (Leonard et al 1997)
Factors Influencing The Demand For Recreation And Tourism
Among all classes of people in any society, there are variations in time during which individuals are free from their
daily routines of work and domestic chores. Such a time may be used for relaxation, recreation and or self-
development (Olorunfemi and Olanrewaju, 1993).
Several studies have considered the factors influencing the demand for recreation and tourism. Rapid urbanization
and improved transportation, political decisions such as a change to a five-day working week or declaration of
public holidays have further increased the desire for recreation and consequently the demand for tourism and
recreational facilities. (Olanrewaju, 1986). Clawson and Knetsch (1969) considered four categories of factors
influencing the demand for tourism and recreational facilities.
First, those factors relating to the potential recreation users such as individuals.
Second, those factors relating to the recreation area itself. These factors vary from rocks, mountains and hills, with
different historical monuments, works of arts and crafts to festivals and ceremonies for both active and passive
recreation. Third, factors which reflect the relationships between potential users and recreation area. This third
category includes sub-factors such as the time required to travel from home area and return, the comfort or
discomfort of the travel and the monetary cost involved in visit to the recreation area. Fourth is the extent to which
demand has been stimulated by advertising.
Dee and Liebmann (1970) examined factors such as population, the rate of attendance and average income when
predicting the demand for tourist and recreational activities that are available at selected centres. Oyowe (1990)
broadly conceived the factors responsible for the rise in tourist activities to include: the rise in Gross National
Product and real incomes, the extension of holiday and leisure time, spread of higher education, the influence of
television and the mass media as well as the urge for adventure.

5
In considering the determinants of demand, it is useful to separate economic from social determinants, and structural
from motivational determinants (Leonard and Carson, 1997).
Economic Determinants Of Demand
Real discretionary income is different from disposable income. Real disposable income is net income, after statutory
deductions for taxes, insurance and pensions. From the disposable income the person will meet basic living expenses
such as mortgages or rent payments, heating, food and clothes, transportation and similar expenditures. The
remaining income after these necessary expenditures have been met is termed as discretionary income, it is that
proportion of his disposable income which is free to spend or save as he wishes. According to Leonard, et'al (1997)
it is the availability of sufficient level of real discretionary income which determines demand for tourism. Leonard,
et al relate changes in real income travel to overall demand (number of trips made), and opined that family income
level is an important travel determinant for leisure travel.
Business Travel
Business trip is affected by economic circumstances but, for most companies, travel by their representatives is
essential rather than luxury expenditure. Companies experiencing business recession or decline may switch from a
luxury to lower mode of transportation fare.
Business travelers have similar demand characteristics as leisure travelers - they require transport, accommodation,
food and services. The main differences relate to the type of services bought and the levels of transportation and
accommodation. Leonard, et al (1997) highlighted that business travelers can also be an important part of tourism by
utilizing their non-business time for leisure pursuits; they become leisure travelers when they are at their
destinations.
Supply Factors
Attractions of the Destination
There are a number of supply factors will pull tourists to specific destinations. These factors include the supply of
accommodation and amenities and the ease of access to the destination. Relative attractiveness is an important
aspect of choosing a destination. The supply factors put together constitute a measure of the attractiveness of a
destination.
Price Levels in the Destination
Relative price levels will influence the choice of destination. Visiting tourist are more concerned with the relative
prices of tourist consumption items, e.g. accommodation, food, drinks, shopping, and so on. Destinations that
attempt to provide a relative cost of purchasing these items are seeking to provide real value for money (Bun, 1995).
Quality of Amenities and Accommodation
Bull, (1995), highlighted that in addition to the relative price factors, the quality of amenities and accommodation at
a destination will influence demand. There has to be a sufficient critical mass of attractions, supported by
accommodation and good access to stimulate market demand.
Transport
The mode of transport available for tourist has significant influence on demand for recreation and tourism. The main
mode of transport for international travel is by air (Scheduled, charter, private hire), whereas within local destination
it is by road (buses services and coaches, coach hire, car hire and cycles, rail ‘high-speed’ trains, inter-city, local
service), taking advantage of a well-developed road network and relatively short distances, and sea services
(passenger shipping, ferries) (WheatCraft, 1994).
Transport provides the means of getting to the destination, or in some circumstances may be the tourism experience
itself; for example, coach touring, cruising, certain long-distance rail journeys in special trains, and touring, by
private or rental car. Wheat craft observed that the tourist choice of transport will usually be made on the basis of
three factors: the time they have available, the price, and the quality in terms of comfort and associated services. In
order to benefit from these choices, the transport operators will offer a range of fares, dependent on the peak demand
times, and the comfort of the accommodation offered (Syratt, 1995).
Non-Economic Determinants
The non-economic determinants which influence demand for tourism can be broadly divided into structural and
motivational factors.
Structural Factors
Changes in population -structure affects demand. Population is the raw material of tourism. It is not only the size of
population, which is important, but also the ability to afford holidays and travel. Leonard et al, (1997) observed that
many of the poorest countries of the world have the largest population, yet the propensity to travel is quite
surprising, with some of the smallest countries having some of the highest propensity to travel. Leonard et al
identify three emerging trends which affect population structure.

6
First, there are declining birth rates, which means that population is stagnating or declining and is certainly ageing.
Ageing people have largely discharged family responsibilities and have fairly high levels of disposable income, and
also have the ability and time to travel.
Secondly, the effect of declining birth rates obviously means that average family size reduces. The reduction in
family size, coupled with growing levels of disposable income means that more family income is available to buy
holidays and travel.
Thirdly, in most countries employees are entitled to paid holiday and a growing number of employees now take
more than one annual holiday.
Another structural factors which influence the demand for tourism is increase in leisure time. Increased in the
average worker’s entitlement to pay holidays is reflected in the reduction in the average working year; and reduction
in the average working life. This, as people retire earlier with better health standards and pension rights, there is
increase in the number of people who have the time, health, inclination and income to travel.
Motivational Factors
These factors vary according to country but five important factors are regarded as having general application as
determinants of demand for tourism. These motivational factors are education, urbanization, marketing, and the
travel trade and destination attractions.
Education
Studies have revealed that there is a strong correlation between the level of education achieved by a person and his
or her propensity to travel. The level of a person’s education influences a person’s cultural curiosity. Leonard and
Carson (1997) observed that many long-haul travelers, perhaps because of the expense of the journey, are relatively
wealthy people, often with high education levels. Conversely, other long-haul travelers are budgets tourists people,
usually young, who are prepared to travel often-vast distances, to seek information, knowledge and experience.
Urbanization
Leonard et al, (1997) observed that most tourists live in urban areas. The people living in urban areas tend to enjoy
higher income levels than people living in rural areas. They are also more exposed to television and media
information including travel data. Most urban environment is well served with a network of travel agents, tour
operators and transport hubs. These factors combine to influence the number of holiday trips. Leonard also observed
that environmental quality is one of the ‘pull’ factors, which induce tourists to visit one destination rather than
another. Many people living in urban areas experience a higher level of pressure in terms of their living environment
compared with people in non-urban areas. The tendency therefore, is for the urban dweller to seek holiday
destinations, which give them a different environment from that in which they usually live.
Marketing
Marketing is a very important factor in the development of tourist destinations. Motivation for travel is stimulated
by advertising and by the provision of information. Because most tourists lack personal knowledge of the
destination, they have bought a holiday on the recommendation of friends or through media information. Promotion
of tourist destination should be aimed at the potential tourist through appropriate market segmentation (Pearce,
1996).
The Travel Trade
One of the motivational factors which exert a considerable influence on the holiday decision is the travel trade,
including tour operators and _travel agents. As more destinations come on to the market and holiday and travel
literature proliferate, potential travelers seek advice and information from the travel trade, and they become open to
persuasion. The travel trade can influence and often change initial perceptions of a proposed destination. This power
of influence is reinforced by the customers need for reassurance relating to this travel arrangements and choice of
destination. It is this “reassurance factor” which is often a powerful motivator in choosing a destination (Pearce,
1995; Vellas and Becherel, 1995).
Destination Attractions
People travel to satisfy a range of personal needs, both physical and psychological. Cooper, Fletcher, Gilbert and
Wanhill (1993), opined that potential tourists can be grouped into market segments (cultural tourists, winter sports,
gambling, diving, climbing etc), which are then targeted. The destination is developed to provide the facilities for
the particular market. Matching markets to facilities is the purpose of tourism promotion, which can influence the
potential tourist to choose one destination in preference to another.
Hypothesis
Societal changes have increased the desire for recreation and consequently the demand for tourist and recreational
facilities such that socio-economic factors have significant influence on individual’s propensity to tourism
participation.

7
Table : The Relationship between Socio-Economic Factors and individual’s Propensity to Tourism
Participation.
Problem identification Problem Rating Seriousness Rating Problem Seriousness D 2
Ranking Ranking
D
Lack publicity /information 282 212 17 17 0 0

Lack of Accommodation 165 122 12 12 0 0

Financial Problem 312 222 18 18 0 0

Transportation/ mobility problem 215 133 15 15 0 0

Time Factor 185 111 11 11 0 0

Lack of interest 131 54 3 2 1 1

Inadequate facilities 138 79 5 6.5 -1.5 2.25

Religious intolerance 114 50 1 1 0 0

Location centre/ Distance Barrier 141 81 7 9 -2 4

Parental Restriction 133 60 4 3 1 1

Insecurity/ Safety Issues 139 68 6 5 1 1

Nature of work/Job 128 66 2 4 -2 4

High Cost of living 212 130 14 14 0 0

Poor Services at tourist centres 142 79 8 6.5 1.5 2.25

High cost Accommodation at tourist centre 225 145 16 16 0 0

Sex 144 80 9 8 1 1

Age 151 83 10 10 0 0

Level of Education 199 124 13 13 0 0

0 16.50

Spearman Rank correlation coefficient,

2
6∑D
rs = 1 - 2 --------------------------------------- (1)
n(n −1)
Where D 2= 16.50
n = 18
Substituting the data in the above formula;
6(16.50)
r s = 1-
18(182−1)
6 (16.50)
r s = 1-
18(324−1)
99
r s = 1-
5814
r s = 1- 0.0170
r s = 0.983
r s = 0.98 (2 decimal places)

Test for significance (Ƶ)

Ƶ calculated =

Ƶ=
√ n−3
2 [ ]
Lin
1+ r
1−r
……………………………….. (2)

Where n = 18

Ƶ=
18−3
2√ [ ]
1+ 0.98
Lin
1−0.98
Ƶ=
15
2 √ Lin
1.98
0.02[ ]
8
 3.8730
Ƶ= Lin (99)
2
Ƶ = 1.9365 Lin (99)
Ƶ = 1.9365 (0.9445)
Ƶ = 8.8984
Ƶ = calculated = 8.90 (2 decimal place)

Ƶ table value
∝
Ƶ , n – 2 at 95%
2
95
95% = = 0.95
100
∝ = 1 – 0.95 = 0.05
∝ 0.05
=
2 2
∝ = 0.025
Ƶ = 0.025, 18 – 2
Ƶ = 0.025, 16
Ƶ tab. = 0.025, 16
Ƶ tab. = 2.12
Level of significance = 0.025
Degree of freedom (df) = 16
Correlation coefficient (rs) = 0.98
Ƶ calculated value = 8.90
Ƶ Table value = 2.12

Decision: Since the Ƶ calculated value is greater than the Ƶ table value, the null hypothesis is rejected, while the
alternate hypothesis is accepted and confirmed.
Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between socio-economic factors and individual`s propensity to
tourism participation.
Summary
This study has examined the level of domestic patronage of tourist and recreational centres in Edo State. The study
covers such areas as current attitude toward tourism participation, preferences for specific tourist centres and
attractions as well as socio-economic constraints to individual’s propensity to domestic tourism participation among
residents in 11 urban local government areas of Edo State. The respondents indicated participation in some 90
tourist sites and attractions located across Edo State. The attractions that were most frequently used are concentrated
within Benin City, Auchi and Ojirami. Many of the attractions that are frequented are urban-based and man-made
features, including institutional structures.
The vast rural-based and natural tourist attractions which are far more available in the rural areas of the state
recorded low participation rate. Preferences for tourist attractions were highly similar to those currently participated
in by the respondents. The frequency of attractions, was however, much higher among the preferred attractions. The
highly preferred attractions are dispersed uniformly across the state, although there are slight locations of attractions
in North-Eastern and Southern zones of the state. Tourist attractions that are low in participation indication but high
in the respondent’s preference are located uniformly across the state.
Two hypotheses were tested to establish the relationship between tourism participation and other variable factors.
From the analysis of the data collected, it become clear that significant differences exist between the tourist
attractions participated in and those preferred as well as socio-economic factors. These independent variable factors
are positively associated with tourism participation.

Furthermore, the study revealed that 60% of the respondents perceived all 18 problems constraining their propensity
to domestic tourist participation as serious. However, the most frequently severe problems constraining the
individual’s propensity to tourism participation indicated embraced lack of information/publicity, lack of
accommodation, financial problems, high cost 'of accommodation, level of education, transportation, inadequate
facilities and time factor.

9
Conclusion
The level of domestic patronage of tourist and recreational centres in Edo State has been studied. The study
postulates that preference and socio-economic variables play important role in the motivation of individuals towards
tourism participation.
Thus, in this study, a positive association has been found to exist between the variables tested and participation in
tourism. Tourist attractions participated in and those they would prefer to participate in are highly similar. However,
the frequency of attractions was much higher among the preferred attractions. Many of the attractions that are
preferred and regularly visited are urban-based and man-made features. Rural-based and natural tourist attractions
such as landforms, forest vegetation, wildlife resources, water bodies and cultural artifacts which are far more
available in the rural areas than in the urban areas of the state recorded low participation. Many of the attractions
they currently participate in and those they would prefer ‘to participate in are not designed for recreational tourism
purpose, but received attention because of their scenic qualities, utility functions and historic/cultural significance.
Many of the respondents use these facilities or visited these attractions for educational or health purposes and as
business tourist but not as recreational tourist. The major socio-economic problems constraining the individual’s
propensity to tourism participation which also affect development includes lack of information/publicity, lack of
accommodation, financial problems, high cost of accommodation at tourist centres, transportation/mobility
problems, level of education, sex, age and nature of work/job.

Recommendations
Understanding current tourism attitudes preference for tourist sites and constraints to domestic tourism participation
is significant as a pre-condition in understanding at the grassroots levels, the current constraints to individual
propensity to domestic tourism participation in Nigeria, such a study is relevant to tourism planning, natural
resources management, investment in the industry and marketing of tourist attractions.
Based on the analysis of the data and the findings of this study, it is, therefore, recommended that any policy
initiated to stimulate the development of domestic tourism must seek to concentrate, first and foremost on improving
accessibility to those tourist attractions that are high in the people’s preferences, especially those attractions that are
currently low in participation but high in the peoples preferences. This requires the provision of good and efficient
infrastructural facilities and amenities such as good transportation facilities and access routes to the tourist
attractions that are high in people preference, especially those that are highly preferred but currently low in
participation.
Furthermore, the provision of good and affordable accommodation at the various tourist attraction sites, especially
those in the rural areas, is a necessary prerequisite for a successful promotion of domestic tourism, especially in a
country like Nigeria where many highly preferred attractions are located afar from the potential users. It is further
recommended that any policy or programme geared towards alleviating the problems constraining individual’s
propensity to tourism participation must also seek to tackle those problems beyond the control of the individual,
most especially problems of information/publicity, finance, transportation/mobility and high cost of accommodation
at tourist centres.

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