Analytical investigation of the problems and prospect of ecotourism in Osun State, Nigeria. A case of the Osun –Oshogbo sacred grove
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2019
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International Journal of Business & Management Studies Courage University, Republic Du Benin
Abstract
Caprihan and Shivakumar (2004) see ecotourism as an amalgamation of two separate concepts ecology and tourism, but when viewed jointly, the coinage assumes great significance both for ecological conservation and development of tourism. Ecotourism promises achievement of conservation goals, improving the well-being of local communities and generating new business promising a rare win-win situation (Drumm and Moore, 2002). According to Oladeji (2012), Ecotourism involves travel to destinations where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. As a segment of the travel industry, ecotourism is the fastest growing segment –growing Worldwide by 30% each year, according to Varty (2003). Ecotourism is attracting increasing attention in recent years, not only as an alternative to mass tourism but also as a means of economic development and environmental conservation (Campbell, 2002). Osun Oshogbo sacred grove is rich in biodiversity, high species endemism and home to many wildlife species recognised by international treaties and conventions. Boosted by remarkable, geographical, natural, cultural, historical and aesthetic attribute, the grove is a potential pearl of ecotourism in the world (Ifamuregun, 2009). In Nigeria, however, substantial economic potentials of tourism have suffered neglect for long and have been less favoured by the different government to the oil, telecommunication and agriculture industry (WTO 2006). Very worrisome is the fact that the Oshogbo zone of Osun state blessed with tourism assets that are less known nationally and possibly not recognised internationally. This should be a revenue generation pivot for the State, but incidentally, the present revenue allocation structure which allows for the allocation of nationally generated funds to the State may be a significant factor for the state’s reluctance to look inward and probably developing its tourism potentials. As such, it is the contention of this study to analytically investigate the problems and prospect of ecotourism in Osun State, Nigeria. A case study of the Osun –Oshogbo sacred grove.
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Aina, Olayinka Christopher and Abiola-Oke, Elizabeth (2019). Analytical investigation of the problems and prospects of ecotourism in Osun State, Nigeria. A case of the Osun-Oshogbo sacred grove. International Journal of Business and Management Studies, Courage University, Republic Du Benin. Vol.4 (19), 121-131.