CONFERENCES

Monday, August 12, 2024

CONFERENCES

 Tourism and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies in Emerging Economies

Chigozie Jude ODUM

Department of Tourism Studies

Faculty of Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Email: odumcj@yahoo.co.uk

A paper presented at the 6th International Cappadocia Scientific Research Congress

August 10-12, 2024 Göreme/Türkiye

Abstract

The fourth industrial revolution (I4.0) comes with disruptive technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of things (IoT), cloud computing, augmented reality (AR), advanced robotics, and cyber-security, among others. The I4.0 ensures quick, easy, and instant responses and computation of data, removes physical barriers, and within the tourism sector; it has introduced social and self-serving robots, intelligent Chatbots, contactless devices, sound-controlled technologies, etc. In developed economies like China, the United States of America, and Japan, to mention but few, there are establishments such as hotels fully staffed with robots, and robots are used for smart concierge services, and I4.0 is reputed to have more working power than humans. The fourth dimension of industrial revolution technologies like AR and virtual reality (VR) gives visitors a three-dimensional view of destinations and hotels of their choice, providing an opportunity for a preview before booking. Meanwhile, some technologies (i.e. AR, VR, AI) are persuasive marketing tools. Conversely, beyond the associated benefits of I4.0, it appears some countries lack the infrastructure, financial capacity, and interest to adapt to I4.0, especially emerging economies like Nigeria. Literature has already portrayed that studies on I4.0 are limited in emerging economies, while Nigeria has been ranked low by Oxford Insight’s 2020, where governments of different countries were assessed for readiness to adopt AI. Nigeria ranked 138 out of 172 countries. If this is extrapolated, it might imply that Nigeria is not matching up with the I4.0 revolution, despite its usefulness and application in different sectors globally. Therefore, the present study is anchored on the tourism and hospitality sector, understanding the pros and cons of I4.0 technologies vis-à-vis Nigeria's tourism sector. Nigeria is endowed with an innumerable hospitality establishment of different sizes, classes, and brands, ranging from one-star to five-star hotels in different cities and towns. The country is host to two world heritage sites located in Osun and Adamawa States, and seven (7) national parks with alluring and flourishing flora and fauna, including endemic species. Unique geological landscapes, with one being of international interest and national recognition located in Anambra State; different rivers, lakes, and streams harboring several aquatic species of crocodiles, alligators, hippopotami, and turtles, etc., some of which are totemic, and enriching the cultural tourism value of Nigeria. Although, the tourism hospitality sector of Nigeria offers a lot of job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled laborers; tourism is said to add 2.6 million jobs by 2032. Nigeria is grappling with unemployment, which increased in the third quarter of 2023 to about 5%, based on the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Therefore, will the use of I4.0 technologies add value to unemployment or employment in the Nigerian tourism sector, given that technologies like ‘intelligent robots’ and 'service robots’ are replacing human labor? How will the Nigerian tourism stakeholders mitigate the impact of I4.0, given the limited knowledge of I4.0 technologies in the industry? These and other questions are the hallmarks of this study. The study will adopt a qualitative approach and a thematic presentation of findings. The contributions of this study to scholarship cannot be overemphasized, as preliminary investigations highlight the unprecedented loss of jobs; where tourism has been taunted to be a big employer of labor. Besides, destinations and hospitality managers see I4.0 technologies as a means of increasing sales, retaining customers, and reducing overhead cost of labor employment, therefore, will they adopt it or not? Fourth revolution technologies seem to be the future, although, for sustainable development of tourism in the global south, especially Nigeria, there is a need for proper exploration of the technologies, weighing their benefits and disadvantages. The study seems to be novel, probably the first or among the first studies discussing disruptive technology-I4.0 and the Nigerian tourism industry, its value to tourism stakeholders cannot be overemphasized

 

Introduction-

¨  In the 4th industrial revolution (I4.0), technologies move labor from man to machine.

¨  AI (artificial intelligence) helps machines and robots take over labor. This is currently common in developed nations.

¨  Tourism and hospitality managers are interested in I4.0 technologies because of reductions in labor costs, speed, and automation, among others.

¨  Conversely, I4.0 technologies reduce human labor, and the Nigerian unemployment rate moved from 4.2% to 5%.

Objectives - The study looks at some factors that may be considered prior to adoption of some of 4IR technologies in Nigeria tourism sector.

¨  Labor costs and support employees—physical

¨  Powers beyond humans 

¨  Cost implications

¨  Staff training and loss of jobs: ….and likelihood of job loss.

¨  Customers’ perspective and improved marketing.

Preliminary Discussion-

The sector rakes in millions of dollars per year. In Nigeria, it contributes about 4.8% to the country’s total national output (GDP). While….affected the sector negatively in Nigeria (Odum, 2022), alternatively, it also enhanced the adoption of I4.0 technologies in the tourism and hospitality sectors. The sector was enjoyed virtually during the pandemic through virtual reality (VR).

USA and Japan are using I4.0 technologies, but there is disparity in their use in West Africa…while Nigeria seems to be unready for adoption of I4.0 technologies like AI and VR, despite their inherent benefits that seem to outweigh the negative implications.

The Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), and other stakeholders need collaboration to find out the empirical impact(s) of the adoption of these technologies.

These technologies may not outright create job losses; rather, there is a possibility of complementing existing jobs.

Selected References

Ajayi, V. O. (2023). A Review of Primary Sources of Data and Secondary Sources of Data. European Journal of Education and Pedagogy 2(3)1-7.

Hodibert, V.A., et al. (2024). AI/Robotics in the tourism and hospitality sector: Technological realities and imaginaries in the Ghana context. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) 8(1)2454-6186.

Odum, C. J. (2022). Innovation in Tourism Industry: Insight from Nigeria. Ahi Evran International Conference on Scientific Research, Türkiye.

Odum, C. J. & Ukekwe, C. (2020). Tourism and Virtual Reality (VR) in Developing Nations. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure, 9(2)1-16.

Ogunleye, I. (2021). Artificial Intelligence for Economic Development in Nigeria. A publication of Citris Banatao Institute.

 

 

 

 

Friday, April 26, 2024

 Tourism Development and Virtual Reality in selected Eco-destinations in West Africa. A presentation at the 8th International West Asia Congress of Tourism Research 25-27 April, 2024, Şirnak University, Tűrkiye.

By

Dr. Chigozie Jude ODUM,

Department of Tourism Studies,

University of Nigeria Nsukka,

Nigeria

Background
OWE cave

Tourism is being promoted as an alternative source of income in Africa.

Tourism generates income, and employment and conserves the environment (i.e. ecotourism).

Tourism development varies across the globe, and VR appears to be en-vogue due to associated benefits.

Advancements in ICT like VR have reshaped the tourism sector

VR is a marketing means that also gives tourists an enhanced immersive & sensational experiences (Thanh, et al., 2023; Sousa, et al., 2022).

VR has aided tourism recovery in Ghana & South Africa (Asimah, et al., 2022; Verkerk, 2022), after COVID-19.

Tourism is alternative to Nigeria dependence on oil-economy (Okonkwo & Odum, 2010).

•Nature-based attractions abound in Nigeria-National Parks (Yankari, Gashaka-Gumti, etc.), Cultural festivals (New Yam, Masquerade, Durban, Eyo, etc.), Caves and karsts (Marshal cave, Awhum cave, Ogbunike cave, Ufuma cave, Owerre-Ezukalla cave, etc.). 

•Majority of the caves are underdeveloped, therefore the need for alternative marketing and promotion means such as VR become necessary.

Objectives
 A. Advantages and disadvantages of VR application in selected ecotourism destinations in Anambra State.

B. Itemize issues associated with VR application in ecotourism destinations in Anambra State.

Study location
Anambra is located in south-eastern Nigeria; lies between Latitude 5°41.293'N and Latitude 6°46.327’N, and Longitude 6°37.014'E and Longitude 7°21.608’E.
Its heritage has attracted local, national, and international attention, such as the Igbo-Ukwu bronze pot dated 9AD, Ogbunike cave listed in the UNESCO tentative list, the home country of literacy icon Chinua Achebe, the first president of Nigeria-Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, among other innumerable tourist attractions. Ecotourism attractions of interest in this study are listed thus- Ufuma cave, Owerrezukalla Cave, Ogbunike Cave, Agulu Lake, Agu-aba Forest Reserve, and Mamu Forest Reserve. 

Approach
Interpretative philosophy was used in the study(See, Chowdhury, 2014).
Interviews & Focus Group Discussion was adopted. 
Respondents- Eight (8) senior tourism officers and a director of the tourism department****(ASMCET).
Analysis- thematic presentation and discussion of findings with support of secondary data.
Popularity & wider reach.

Results & Discussion
Advantages - Marketing.
Planning (i.e. Investors).
Security & accessibility.
Educating & interactive.
Accessibility.
Disadvantages -
Affects undeveloped ecotourism attractions.
Possibility of discouraging travel. 
Non-urban dwellers/ limited internet.
Falsehood & deception.
Copyright issues & imitations.
Etc.
One of the ecotourism destination-A*** Lake with swimmers.


Discussion
Accurate and reliable information about ecotourism attractions in the state.
Possibility of rural development.
The study concertizes earlier theoretical postulations of merits and demerits of VR application in tourism in developing nations (See, Odum & Ukekwe, 2020). 
Conservation of natural resources (i.e. limits anthropogenic contact).
Despite the challenges listed above, VR holds invaluable benefits to ecotourism development in Anambra State and beyond. But, all stakeholders are needed for sustainable ecotourism development, because the disadvantages can be reduced with concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

References

Asimah, V. K., Hurriyati, R., Gaffar, V. & Wibowo, L. A. (2022). Virtual Leisure and Recreation Reality and Well-Being during COVID-19 Pandemic - The Future of Ghana Tourism: Does Technological Self-Efficacy Matter? African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure 11(6)1860–1877.
Odum, C.J. & Ukekwe, C. (2020). Tourism and Virtual Reality (VR) in developing nation. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9(2)1-16.
Okonkwo, E. E. & Odum, C. J. (2010). Tourism: An alternative for economic independence and rural development in Nigeria. Africa Journal of Pure and Applied Science, 5(3)48-55.
Wibisono., N., Rafdinal, W. Setiawati, L. & Senalasari. W. (2023). Predicting the Adoption of Virtual Reality Tourism in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic Era. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 12(1)239-256.
Sousa, N., Jorge, F., Teixeira, M.S.,  Losada, N., Melo, M., & Bessa, M. (2023). An Exploratory Study about the Effect of COVID-19 on the Intention to Adopt Virtual Reality in the Tourism Sector. Sustainability 15, 1-13.
Verkerk, V-A. (2022). Virtual Reality: Saving Tourism in South Africa? African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 11(1)278-299.
Note: This is an abridged version of the presentation. The presentation is still a work in progress



Monday, January 18, 2021

Multidisciplinary Conference

 Department of Archaeology and Tourism

Faculty of Arts

University of Nigeria, Nsukka

1st Multidisciplinary International Conference (Maiden Edition)

Theme: Multi-disciplinary Research in the 21st Century: Planning for the

Present and Future

Date: 9th -12th May 2021

Venue: Department of Archaeology & Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Call for Papers

Multidisciplinary research is en-vogue because of the realization that no discipline

has all the answers to all human and developmental problems. Multidisciplinary

research provides opportunities to tackle academic and societal issues from diverse

and interrelated perspectives. Multidisciplinary studies are expected to provide

solutions beyond the borders of any single discipline on problem(s) or issue(s).

Examples include contributions of the health sciences to pandemics (i.e. COVID-

19), or the interrogation of civil unrest and human rights violations by social

scientists. Understanding complex phenomena from multidisciplinary perspectives

is germane in solving societal and developmental issues. As such, the research

outcomes from such collaborations will be beneficial to multi-disciplines, nonacademic

sectors, and most importantly, influence policies that will improve our

society.

The Organizing Committee welcomes submissions relevant to the conference

theme 'Multi-disciplinary Research in the 21st Century: Planning for the Present

and Future'. Papers in other areas related to tourism, governance, education,

religion, heritage, and hospitality management are also welcomed. The sub-themes

for the conference include, but not limited to:

Subthemes

Interdisciplinary studies on:

 The dynamics of pandemics (i.e. COVID-19)

 Humanitarian crisis (i.e. Police brutality)

 Climate Change: Adaption, Mitigation and Resilience

 Tourism and Archaeology

 Environmental Management

 History and International Relations

 Governance and Public Administration

 Gender and Equity

 Feminism

 Humanities and Change

 Religion and Cultural Studies/Religious crisis

 Peace and Conflict

 Entrepreneurship

 Governance and Leadership

 Security and Safety Issues

 Human/Cultural Resources management

 Education and development

 Economy, poverty and inequality

 Rural and urban development

 Legal issues and policies

 Public Health

Presenters/Authors Guidelines

Papers should state clearly the following- Background/statement of the

problem(s), objectives, methods, findings, discussions and implications of the

paper. Two hundred (200) words abstract should be submitted to the conference

email (mud.con2021@unn.edu.ng) on or before 5th March, 2021.

Presentation format

Oral

Author(s) should make a power point slides (maximum of fifteen) to be presented

in 15 minutes. Questions and answers will be moderated at the end of each session

by a session chair.

Virtual Presentation

Virtual presentations will be held in all sessions of the conference with a maximum

of 10 minutes for presenters. Audio-visual slides should reach the LOC two (2)

weeks before the conference.

Registration

Local Participants: N10, 000. 00

Foreign Participants: $100.00

Account Details:

Bank: Fidelity Bank

A/C Name: Archaeology and Tourism Conference

A/C No.: 5700043240

For inquiries, please contact:

Dr. E.E. Okonkwo

Head Department of Archaeology and Tourism

Tel: +234 (0) 803 810 3599

Email: emeka.okonkwo@unn.edu.ng

Dr. C. J. Odum

Chairman, Local Organizing Committee

Tel: +234 (0) 803 947 3427

Email: jude.odum@unn.edu.ng or mud.con2021@unn.edu.ng

Mr. S.J. Onyemechalu

Sectary, Local Organizing Committee

Tel: +234 (0) 908 254 3953

Email: stanley.onyemechalu@unn.edu.ng

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

UNN resumption date for new session

UNN to resume new academic session
http://www.unn.edu.ng/time-table-of-events-for-20182019-session/

Monday, September 24, 2018