LOCAL RESIDENTS CONTRIBUTION TO TOURISM IN LA CAMPAGNE TROPICANA BEACH RECREATION CENTRE (LTBR) IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Tourism is traveling to a preferred destination different from common or familiar location, taking time off temporarily to relax. This study assessed local residents’ contribution to nature tourism (Beach) and the welfare... [ view full abstract ]

Tourism is traveling to a preferred destination different from common or familiar location, taking time off temporarily to relax. This study assessed local residents’ contribution to nature tourism (Beach) and the welfare of surrounding communities in Lagos, Nigeria.  The study estimated the expected on day site demand for recreation with respect to recreation cost, income and welfare benefits tourists derive from recreation as well as the welfare of the local residents.  Data were collected with structured questionnaire as well as interview guide.  A total of 100 respondents within a radius of 2km to the resort were selected. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. In addition, the Marshallian Consumer Surplus was used in estimating the welfare benefit of the tourists derived from recreation at the resort. The on-day site demand for recreation was 3 days while the recreation use benefit for a representative visitor for each day of the visit was N2,364.10 which was N7,092.30 for a three-day visit and N709,203.00 for the 100 sampled visitors. Chi-square analysis however showed highly significant association (p<0.01) between the perception of the resort by the local residents and their welfare. Thus, suggestions include recreational policy to encourage more tourists’ visits to the resort so as to generate more revenue with a multiplier effect on the welfare of the surrounding communities.