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  DOI Prefix   10.20431


 

International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality
Volume 4, Issue 1, 2018, Page No: 33-44
http://dx.doi.org/10.20431/2455-0043.0401005

Assessment of Ecotourism Attractions and Visitors' Satisfaction in Ezeagu Tourist Complex of Enugu State, Nigeria

Henry Mmaduabuchi Ijeomah1,Sodienye Augustine Abere2,Linda Odinaka Ugwu3

1.Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Port Harcourt, P. M. B. 5323 Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2.Department of Forestry and Environment, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Citation : Henry Mmaduabuchi Ijeomah,Sodienye Augustine Abere,Linda Odinaka Ugwu, Assessment of Ecotourism Attractions and Visitors' Satisfaction in Ezeagu Tourist Complex of Enugu State, Nigeria International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality 2018, 4(1) : 33-44

Abstract

Various attempts have been made by different levels of government on the creation of awareness towards identifying and developing ecotourism destinations in Nigeria, but the attractions, activities, facilities and tourists' satisfaction level in age - old community-based eco-destinations such as Ezeagu tourist complex are yet to be ascertained. This study therefore assessed the attractions, facilities, activities, and experiences of tourists in Ezeagu tourist complex of Enugu state, Nigeria. Data for this study were obtained through personal observation, in depth interview with staff of the complex, tourists and indigenes of the household who are knowledgeable about tourism; and administration of three sets of questionnaires. A set of questionnaires was purposively administered to 146 household representatives of the host community to collect information on tourist attractions, activities, facilities and experiences. The second set was administered to all the staff of the complex to collect information on frequency of visitation, category of tourists that visit the eco-destination, while the third set was randomly administered to 50 tourists to get information on tourism attractions, available tourism facilities, infrastructures, activities carried out and experiences. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics in form of frequency of counts, percentages, charts and tables. The major attractions in Ezeagu tourist complex are the Ogbagada waterfall (100%), Ihu-ogba cave (78.16%) and Iheneke lake (75.73%). The main tourism activities in the complex identified by the respondents are swimming (78.64%), picnicking (52.91%), fishing (25.24%), lake viewing (21.84%), recreation (14.09%) and research (6.31%). The major tourism facilities in the complex as identified by tourists are thatched house (34%) and hanging bamboo bridge (32%). The preferred period for visitation is mainly during festive period. Ezeagu tourist complex is endowed with unique attractions


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