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
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
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