Harnessing Tourism Potentials as A Strategy for Regional Development Planning in Bayelsa State

Zuowei Dickson

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.11no12.2025.pg437.447

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Harnessing Tourism Potentials as A Strategy for Regional Development Planning in Bayelsa State

Zuowei Dickson

Abstract

This study assessed tourism potential, its socioeconomic impacts, and the government's response to tourism development in Bayelsa State, based on survey data. The findings confirm the existence of significant tourism potential, with 54.6% of respondents agreeing that tourist and heritage sites exist. However, this potential is largely unrealized due to critical challenges. Specifically, 50.0% of respondents disagree that these sites are accessible, and a clear majority (63.5%) disagrees that they are often used for tourism events. While the artifacts are generally considered relevant (68.5% disagree they are obsolete), poor management and lack of use appear to be the core issues. Over half of the respondents recognize that tourism generates employment (52.7%) and creates an investment environment (51.9%). Conversely, a majority disagrees that tourism generates revenue for the public/private sectors (53.5%) or attracts infrastructural development (55.8%). The government's response is perceived as inadequate in crucial areas. Majorities disagree that there is beautification (57.7%) or periodic maintenance of tourist sites (52.7%). Although there is perceived adequacy in road construction/rehabilitation (53.8% agree), efforts to maintain sites and fund rural tourism development are lacking. The study concludes that existing tourism potential is hampered by accessibility and utilization issues, while the government's response in site development and maintenance is generally perceived as inadequate, despite a proven link between tourism and socioeconomic development. These findings strongly suggest that the existing sites are yet to be fully developed, which is why they are not translating into significant, broadly-felt revenue or local business growth. The government should prioritize the construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads and transport links specifically leading to identified tourist and heritage sites and develop a clear strategy to shift sites from being

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Harnessing Tourism Potentials as A Strategy for Regional Development Planning in Bayelsa State

Abstract

References

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