Perceived Values of the Potentials of Mountains and Hills for the Development of Tourism in Ekiti State Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

: This study examined the perceived values of the potentials of mountains and hills for the development in Ekiti State. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 500 respondents from community residents and 384 visitors while questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentages, and means, while inferential statistical tools such as t-test, Chi-square, correlation coefficient and regression were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the hypotheses showed that there was statistically significant difference between the way community residents and visitors perceived the values of mountains and hills tourism development in Ekiti State in terms of non-use value (t=5.06**, p<0.01), recreation value (t=6.63**, p<0.01), intrinsic value (t=8.68**, p<0.01), use value (t=2.77**, p<0.01). The implication of the study is that the development of mountains and hills tourism in these communities will create both positive and negative responses arising from their varied opinions which will help to shape the entire structure and its future growth and development. It was recommended that the government of Ekiti should partner with the interested individuals and private sectors to develop mountains and hills in Ekiti communities so as to give tourism a jolt to prominence.

Keywords: Communities, Visitors, non-use, recreation, intrinsic, use