Tourism – SS3 Geography Lesson Note (First Term)

Tourism is the activity of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business or other purposes. It combines attractions, accommodation, transportation and entertainment, so that visitors can experience new cultures, environments and activities. Nigeria has several tourist centres, and tourism brings economic and cultural benefits.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the concept of tourism.
2. Identify and locate tourist centres in Nigeria.
3. Highlight the importance of tourism in Nigeria.
4. Analyse the limitations of tourism in Nigeria and suggest possible solutions to the problems.

Instructional techniques

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Videos from source

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Textbook
• Pictures

What is tourism?

Tourism refers to the activities of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business, or other purposes. It involves a combination of attractions, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment. The goal is to experience new cultures, environments, and activities.

What are the main tourist centres in Nigeria?

There are several tourist centres across the country. Some notable ones include:

1. Yankari National Park: Located in Bauchi State, it is known for its wildlife, including elephants, baboons, and various bird species.
2. Obudu Mountain Resort: Situated in Cross River State, it offers stunning landscapes, cable car rides, and a serene mountain retreat.
3. Olumo Rock: Found in Abeokuta, Ogun State, it is a historic rock formation with caves and tunnels.
4. Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Osun State, known for its sacred forest and annual Osun-Osogbo festival.
5. Awhum Waterfall: Located in Enugu State, this waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation, making it a scenic spot.
6. Kajuru Castle: Situated in Kaduna State, it is a unique mediaeval-style fortress offering a picturesque setting.
7. Lekki Conservation Centre: Located in Lagos, it is a nature reserve with a canopy walkway and diverse wildlife.

Why is tourism important in Nigeria?

1. Tourism contributes significantly to Nigeria’s economy by generating revenue through visitor spending on accommodation, attractions, transportation, and local businesses.
2. The tourism industry creates employment opportunities, ranging from hospitality and transportation to tour guides and artisans, which helps to reduce unemployment.
3. Tourism facilitates cultural exchange between visitors and locals, encouraging understanding and appreciation of Nigeria’s diverse cultures, traditions, and heritage.
4. The development of tourism often leads to improved infrastructure such as roads, airports, and public facilities, benefiting both tourists and local communities.
5. International tourism brings in foreign currency, helping to stabilise the country’s balance of payments and supporting economic growth.

What are the limitations of tourism in Nigeria?

1. Insecurity in some regions deters potential tourists and affects the industry negatively.
2. Inadequate infrastructure, including poor roads and transportation systems, hinders the smooth flow of tourists and affects the overall visitor experience.
3. Limited marketing and promotion of tourist destinations, both within Nigeria and abroad, result in low awareness and patronage.
4. Unregulated tourism activities may lead to environmental degradation and the loss of natural habitats, which reduces the appeal of tourist destinations.

What are the possible solutions to the challenges of tourism in Nigeria?

1. Addressing security concerns through increased efforts to maintain law and order will boost the confidence of both domestic and international tourists.
2. Investing in and upgrading infrastructure, including transportation and communication networks, will improve access to tourist destinations.
3. Using strong marketing strategies, both online and offline, to promote Nigeria’s diverse attractions and cultural heritage can attract more visitors.
4. Engaging local communities in sustainable tourism practices ensures that economic benefits are shared and environmental impacts are minimised.
5. Continued government support, policy formulation, and collaboration with the private sector can create an enabling environment for the growth of the tourism industry.

Evaluation

1. Define tourism.
2. Identify five tourist centres in Nigeria.
3. State five importance of tourism in Nigeria.
4. Mention three limitations of tourism in Nigeria.
5. Suggest three solutions to the limitations mentioned in question 4 above.

Assignment

Classwork: Answer the evaluation questions above.

Homework: Choose any two tourist centres in Nigeria. For each, state the State where it is located and what it is known for.