The poor infrastructure in rural communities is one of the reasons for migration of people from such areas to city centres. Some of these communities with rich culture and aesthetic features that may attract tourists and generate additional revenue for the government are not developed.
The hotel and catering aspect of tourism has been reported to attract about 50 per cent of tourist expenditure in the country.
Revenues generated by the government directly or indirectly from tourism can be through income tax, property tax, company tax and duties on commodities and services rendered to tourist.
But more can be done to encourage the development of communities where tourist attractions exist.
Apart from the financial benefits that can be derived from this industry, experts say the government can utilise tourism to develop the country.
Over the years, experts say the Federal Government has mainly promoted the development of large-scale tourism projects such as beach resorts, high-rise hotels, restaurants and other tourism centres in the country.
However, the Chief of Operations, Hospitality Legend Limited, Mr. Victor Kayode, says the industry which is often perceived as one with high revenue hub, can also serve as a developmental tool for isolated communities and create a sustainable system for the liberation of indigenes.
In a paper presented at the World Tourism Day celebration, he says that tourism is expected to serve as an instrument for the development of both the destination, the community where the attractions are situated as well as the socio-economic liberation of residents.
He notes that all principal efforts have been geared towards realising the financial gains rather than exploiting the development capability inherent in the sector. This misconception, according to Kayode, has been traced to the perception people have that tourism has more monetary benefits than the development potential.
He highlights the changes to be effected that will be of benefit to host communities and which will encourage increased participation of the community.
Employment generation
According to Kayode, the development of tourist centres in remote communities has the ability to reduce the usual movement of migrants to urban centres by providing job opportunities for indigenes such as cleaners, janitors, guides, security, drivers and cooks, and is expected to increase to 80 per cent as against the present 20 per cent employment generation.
However, the tourism expert says that most high level positions are occupied by expatriates from other countries.
Income generating potential
Kayoed explains that the development of community attraction centres has income generation opportunities through money paid at the point of reservation in the community or point of departure.
He adds that the financial returns include payment for transportation, tour guide, souvenirs, catering services and other value added services.
New cultures are discovered
It presents an opportunity to learn other culture in-depth through interaction with community members. He posits that guests are expected to mingle, live and dine with local people who can earn little income from them.
According to Kayode, the reality is that tourists are guided towards the attractions without allowing them to interact with locals and are sometimes warned of the consequences of mingling with the local populace using security as bait.
He says, “It is difficult to relate with a tourist who is living behind barrier walls without any contact with the local. Movements are guided in air-conditioned buses with security personnel to ward off community members considered as intruders. Contact is only through the glass doors of the bus to destinations.”
Physical and environmental development
The expert says focus on community growth will be accompanied by infrastructural development.
He adds that currently, the only visible improved facilities are the imposing edifice within which tourists are accommodated during visits, while accessibility to the attraction centres may not necessarily be improved on.
“The environment is usually isolated from the general areas where it could have impact on the environment or already environmentally friendly areas. In fact, the local community struggles to get access to them,” he says.
