Safety and Security Concerns in Nigeria's Tourism Sector: The Issue of Geotourism Destinations
Keywords:
Destinations, Geotourism, Ogbunike, Security & Safety
Abstract
Safety and security have become a source of concern for tourism stakeholders and beyond, due to their role in destination attractiveness and their capacity to affect tourists’ intent to travel. Unfortunately, insecurity appears to be a common feature in many emerging economies like Nigeria, where herdsmen, religious and political violence, kidnapping, etc. affect tourism development and growth. This study aims to: comprehend the safety and security features of Ogbunike Cave; second, identify the challenges to safety and security in the cave; and third, document ways to ensure sustainable safety and security in the cave. Using in-depth interviews and secondary data, the study showed poor safety and security measures for visitors in the cave. The implication of this is that visitors’ safety is not guaranteed, and this may likely affect the attractiveness of the cave and cause limited patronage. The study, woven from the perspective of protection motivation theory (PMT), suggests that the protection of visitors in tourism destinations like caves should be paramount. A safe and secure destination remains attractive, with highly competitive value; therefore, police posts, first aid boxes, emergency numbers, and log books appear useful for sustainable safety and security measures in caves. The study is novel, it appears to be the first to discuss the safety and security of Ogbunike Cave, and the implications may extend to other caves in the state and beyond. The suggestions are invaluable to tourism planners and stakeholders.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Abdullahi, G.A., Adeniyi, A. A., & Mohammed, A. A. (2016). Safety and Security Challenges in Tourism and Hospitality in Nigeria. A paper presented at the 14th Annual National Conference of School of Business and Management Technology, The Federal Polytechnic, Mubi from 10th-12th August, 2016 at Isa Ahmadu Multi-purpose Hall, Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Adamawa State.
Abubakar, M. & Fadeyi, T.J. (2019). Security and Tourism Development in Challenges and Prospects. International Journal of Politics Culture and Society. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350055614_security_and_tourism_devel opment_in_nigeria_challenges_and_prospects.
Abukhalifeh, A. N. & Chandran, K. (2020). Understanding the perfection of safety and security of tourists at Jeju Island, South Korea. Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research, 9(4),107-114.
Akingbohungbe, O. (2024). Insecurity in Nigeria and effective solutions. Retrieved March 25, 2024 from https://punchng.com/insecurity-in-nigeria-and-effective-solutions.
Amaro, D., Caldeira, A.M., & Seabra, C. (2023). Tourism Safety and Security: A Bibliometric Approach", Seabra, C. and Korstanje, M.E. (Ed.) Safety and Tourism (Tourism Security- Safety and Post Conflict Destinations), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 11- 30. DOI: doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80382-811-420231002
Anedo, A. A. & Anedo, N.F. (2019). Igbo traditional security system: A panacea to Nigeria quagmire. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/337290196
Ayatonye, D. (2022, December, 24). Insecurity scares holidaymakers and turns tourist’ centers into no-go areas.https://punchng.com/insecurity-scares-holidaymakers-turns-tourists-center’s-to-no-go-areas
Ayorekire, J. (2017). Tourism Safety and Security in Africa: making Africa the preferred for tourism under the AU Agenda 2063. African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Transport, Intercontinental and Inter-Regional Infrastructures, Energy and Tourism, 13-17 March 2017, Lomé, Togo. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://au.int/sites/default/files /documents/36067-doc- tourism_safety_and_security_au_togo_jim.pdf
Badiora, A. I., Adedotun, S. B., Sobowale, T. O., & Afolabi, H. (2022). Safety and security assessment of tourist destinations: A field study in a Nigerian Geopark. Journal of Event, Tourism and Hospitality Studies, 2(1), 106-149.
Bastis C. (2020). Use of Secondary Data in Research. Retrieved March 25, 2024 from https://online-tesis.com/en/use-of-secondary-data-in-research.
Chili, N. S. (2018). The impact of Safety and Security on the behavior of consumers and tourism demand in South African township. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure, 7(4), 1-14.
Cró, S., Calisto, M., Martins, A. M. & Sim?es, J. M. (2020). Safety and security perception as strategic issues for hospitality companies. In: strategic business models to support demand, Supply, and Destination Management in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. DOI:10.4018/978-1-5225-9936-4.ch007. Retrieved March 26, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338305761_ Safety_and_Security_Percept ion_as_Strategic_Issues_for_Hospitality_Companies
Daniel, K. C. & Ibeanu, A. M. (2020). Archaeological Investigation of Onualor Cave in Ojebe-Ogene Area of South-eastern Nigeria. Nigeria Journal of Archaeology, 3(1), 1-14.
Denzin, N. K. (1989). Interpretive interactionism. Newbury, CA: Sage.
Emeafor, F.O. (2016). Ethnographic Investigation of Cultural and Agro-Tourism in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A Ph.D. thesis Submitted to the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Emeafor, O. F. & Odum, C. J. (2019). Amanchor Cave is a potential tourist destination. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 8(1), 33-44.
Hayes, N. Y. (2021). Assessment of spatial organization for enhanced security and safety in the design of Gurara tourist center, Niger State. A Master of Technology in Architecture thesis submitted in post-graduate school Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Herzog, T., & Smith, G. (1988). Danger, mystery, and environmental preference. Environment and Behaviour, 20(3), 320-344.
Jones, C. (2016) (5th). A Guide to Responsible Caving. National Speleological Society. Retrieved from www.caves.org.
Kaszás, N., & Keller, K. (2022). The Emergence of Safety and Security in the Tourism Strategies of EU Member States. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 45(4spl), 1717–1725.
Lambulira, M. & Bello, F.G. (2022). Challenges to tourism development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case of Malawi. JEMT, 13(2)391-402.
Manjunatha, N. (2022). Safety and Security factors affecting foreign tourists satisfaction in Karnataka. Business Studies, 24(1&2),130-138.
Manrique-de-Lara-Penate, C., Santana-Gallego, M., & Valle, E. (2022). The economic impact of global uncertainty and security threats on international tourism. Economic Modelling, 113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2022.105892.
Marikyan, D.& Papagiannidis, S. (2023) Protection Motivation Theory: A review. In S. Papagiannidis (Ed), Theory Hub Book. Available at https://open.ncl.ac.uk / ISBN: 9781739604400
Nas, S. (2015). The Definitions of Safety and Security. Journal of ETA Maritime Science, 3(2), 53-54. Noble, A.S., Hannah, E.A., Aikins, C. (2022). Safety and security measures as Buabeng-Fiema monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Studies, 1(1)1-09.
Oakley, M., Himmelweit, S.M., Leinster, P. & Casado, M.R. (2020). Protection motivation theory: A proposed theoretical extension and moving beyond rationality-The case of flooding. Water, 12, 1848; DOI: 10.3390/w12071848
Odum, C. J. (2020). The implication of TALC to planning and development in the global south: Examples from Nigeria. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 8(2), 68-86.
Odum, C. J., Onwudufor, F.O.F. & Arene, U.N. (2018). Public-Private Partnership: A probable panacea for ecotourism development in Anambra State. A paper to be presented at the 7 Biennial International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) and 2 International Tourism Educators South Africa (TESA) in the International Convention Center, Tshwane, South Africa.
Odum, C.J. (2017). Evaluation of potential ecotourism attractions for sustainable tourism development in Anambra State, Nigeria. A PhD thesis submitted to the Department of Geography, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Odum, C.J. (2019). Undocumented Sustainable Traditional Conservation Measures for Anambra Cave: A Preliminary Report. Journal of Geography and Environmental, 3(1), 129-144.
Odum, C. J. (2024). Tourism and the fourth industrial revolution technologies in emerging economies. A paper read at the 6th International Cappadocia Scientific Research Congress. Retrieved 29 March 2024 from Available online at http://ottourism.blogspot.com /2024 /04.
Okonkwo, E. E., Ezekaka, A., & Igwemadu, M. (2017). Cave Tourism and its Implications to Tourism Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Agu-Owuru Cave in Ezeagu. International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality (IJRTH), 3(3), 16-24.
Okpoko, P. U., Okonkwo, E. E., & Eyisi, P. A. (2016). Preliminary study of Affia Cave, Waterfall and Natural Bridge in Okpatu, Enugu State. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 5(1-2), 50-63.
Oriaku, C.C. (2021). Sectoral performance and the development of rural communities in Africa: An Appraisal of the potentials of the Ogbunike cave in Nigeria. International Journal of Operational Research in Management, Social Sciences & Education, 7(1), 17-28.
Owiyo, V. & Mulwa, J.M. (2018). Safety and Security in tourism destinations: its moderating role in the destination competitiveness determinants and destinations competitiveness nexus in Western Kenya Circuit. International Journal of Research in Management & Business Studies, 5(3), 30-33.
Poku, G. & Boakye-Kwaku, A.A. (2019). A Safety and Security Audit of the Kakum National Park: Observed reality versus managerial perspective. African Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 2(1), 16-32.
Rahman, M. S. (2016). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “testing and assessment” research: A literature review. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 102-112.
Rezende, D., Gossling, M., & Castro, N. (2023). Consumer behavior in tourism in health crises: A model using the theory of protection motivation in farm hotels. Brazilian Business Review, 21(3), 1-29.
Rogers, R. (1975). A protection motivation theory of fear appeals and attitude change1. Journal of Psychology, 91 (1), 93-114.
Rogers, R. (1983). Cognitive and Physiological Processes in Fear Appeals and Attitude Change: A Revised Theory of Protection Motivation. 153-177. In: Cacioppo, J. and Petty, R., Eds., Social Psychophysiology, Guilford Press, New York.
Santana-Gallego, M., Fourie, J., & Rosselló (2019). The effect of safety and security issues on international tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 80(4), 1-4.
Sunday, P. (2024). How security agents killed suspected kidnappers, rescued 20 medical students. Retrieved August 25, 2 0 2 4 Available online at https://punchng.com/how- security-agents-killed-suspected-kidnapper-rescued-20-medical-students.
Umeakuka, M. J. (2022). The Effects of Insecurity on Tourism in a Developing Economy- The Case of Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Management and Safety, 13(3), 17-29.
Van Maanen, J. (1979). Reclaiming qualitative methods for organizational research: A preface
Wang, J., Liu-Lastres, B., Ritchie, B.W., & Mills, D. J. (2019). Travelers’ self-protection against health risks: An application of the full protection motivation theory. Annals of Tourism 78, 102743.
Wenjia, R, Sanghoon, K. & HakJun, S. (2020): Applying protection motivation theory to understand international tourists’ behavioral intention under the threat of air pollution: A case of Beijing, China, Current Issues in Tourism, DOI:10.1080/13683500.2020.1743242
Xu, F., Niu, W., Li, S., & Bai, Y. (2020). The Mechanism of Word-of-Mouth for Tourist Destinations in Crisis. Sage Open, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020919491
Zou, Y. & Yu, Q. (2022). Sense of safety towards tourism destinations: A social constructivist perspective. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 24, 100708.
Abubakar, M. & Fadeyi, T.J. (2019). Security and Tourism Development in Challenges and Prospects. International Journal of Politics Culture and Society. Retrieved March 18, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350055614_security_and_tourism_devel opment_in_nigeria_challenges_and_prospects.
Abukhalifeh, A. N. & Chandran, K. (2020). Understanding the perfection of safety and security of tourists at Jeju Island, South Korea. Review of Integrative Business and Economics Research, 9(4),107-114.
Akingbohungbe, O. (2024). Insecurity in Nigeria and effective solutions. Retrieved March 25, 2024 from https://punchng.com/insecurity-in-nigeria-and-effective-solutions.
Amaro, D., Caldeira, A.M., & Seabra, C. (2023). Tourism Safety and Security: A Bibliometric Approach", Seabra, C. and Korstanje, M.E. (Ed.) Safety and Tourism (Tourism Security- Safety and Post Conflict Destinations), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 11- 30. DOI: doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80382-811-420231002
Anedo, A. A. & Anedo, N.F. (2019). Igbo traditional security system: A panacea to Nigeria quagmire. Retrieved from www.researchgate.net/publication/337290196
Ayatonye, D. (2022, December, 24). Insecurity scares holidaymakers and turns tourist’ centers into no-go areas.https://punchng.com/insecurity-scares-holidaymakers-turns-tourists-center’s-to-no-go-areas
Ayorekire, J. (2017). Tourism Safety and Security in Africa: making Africa the preferred for tourism under the AU Agenda 2063. African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Transport, Intercontinental and Inter-Regional Infrastructures, Energy and Tourism, 13-17 March 2017, Lomé, Togo. Retrieved March 20, 2024, from https://au.int/sites/default/files /documents/36067-doc- tourism_safety_and_security_au_togo_jim.pdf
Badiora, A. I., Adedotun, S. B., Sobowale, T. O., & Afolabi, H. (2022). Safety and security assessment of tourist destinations: A field study in a Nigerian Geopark. Journal of Event, Tourism and Hospitality Studies, 2(1), 106-149.
Bastis C. (2020). Use of Secondary Data in Research. Retrieved March 25, 2024 from https://online-tesis.com/en/use-of-secondary-data-in-research.
Chili, N. S. (2018). The impact of Safety and Security on the behavior of consumers and tourism demand in South African township. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure, 7(4), 1-14.
Cró, S., Calisto, M., Martins, A. M. & Sim?es, J. M. (2020). Safety and security perception as strategic issues for hospitality companies. In: strategic business models to support demand, Supply, and Destination Management in the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. DOI:10.4018/978-1-5225-9936-4.ch007. Retrieved March 26, 2024, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338305761_ Safety_and_Security_Percept ion_as_Strategic_Issues_for_Hospitality_Companies
Daniel, K. C. & Ibeanu, A. M. (2020). Archaeological Investigation of Onualor Cave in Ojebe-Ogene Area of South-eastern Nigeria. Nigeria Journal of Archaeology, 3(1), 1-14.
Denzin, N. K. (1989). Interpretive interactionism. Newbury, CA: Sage.
Emeafor, F.O. (2016). Ethnographic Investigation of Cultural and Agro-Tourism in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A Ph.D. thesis Submitted to the Department of Archaeology and Tourism, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Emeafor, O. F. & Odum, C. J. (2019). Amanchor Cave is a potential tourist destination. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 8(1), 33-44.
Hayes, N. Y. (2021). Assessment of spatial organization for enhanced security and safety in the design of Gurara tourist center, Niger State. A Master of Technology in Architecture thesis submitted in post-graduate school Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
Herzog, T., & Smith, G. (1988). Danger, mystery, and environmental preference. Environment and Behaviour, 20(3), 320-344.
Jones, C. (2016) (5th). A Guide to Responsible Caving. National Speleological Society. Retrieved from www.caves.org.
Kaszás, N., & Keller, K. (2022). The Emergence of Safety and Security in the Tourism Strategies of EU Member States. GeoJournal of Tourism and Geosites, 45(4spl), 1717–1725.
Lambulira, M. & Bello, F.G. (2022). Challenges to tourism development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case of Malawi. JEMT, 13(2)391-402.
Manjunatha, N. (2022). Safety and Security factors affecting foreign tourists satisfaction in Karnataka. Business Studies, 24(1&2),130-138.
Manrique-de-Lara-Penate, C., Santana-Gallego, M., & Valle, E. (2022). The economic impact of global uncertainty and security threats on international tourism. Economic Modelling, 113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2022.105892.
Marikyan, D.& Papagiannidis, S. (2023) Protection Motivation Theory: A review. In S. Papagiannidis (Ed), Theory Hub Book. Available at https://open.ncl.ac.uk / ISBN: 9781739604400
Nas, S. (2015). The Definitions of Safety and Security. Journal of ETA Maritime Science, 3(2), 53-54. Noble, A.S., Hannah, E.A., Aikins, C. (2022). Safety and security measures as Buabeng-Fiema monkey Sanctuary in Ghana. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Studies, 1(1)1-09.
Oakley, M., Himmelweit, S.M., Leinster, P. & Casado, M.R. (2020). Protection motivation theory: A proposed theoretical extension and moving beyond rationality-The case of flooding. Water, 12, 1848; DOI: 10.3390/w12071848
Odum, C. J. (2020). The implication of TALC to planning and development in the global south: Examples from Nigeria. Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 8(2), 68-86.
Odum, C. J., Onwudufor, F.O.F. & Arene, U.N. (2018). Public-Private Partnership: A probable panacea for ecotourism development in Anambra State. A paper to be presented at the 7 Biennial International Tourism Studies Association (ITSA) and 2 International Tourism Educators South Africa (TESA) in the International Convention Center, Tshwane, South Africa.
Odum, C.J. (2017). Evaluation of potential ecotourism attractions for sustainable tourism development in Anambra State, Nigeria. A PhD thesis submitted to the Department of Geography, University of Calabar, Cross River State
Odum, C.J. (2019). Undocumented Sustainable Traditional Conservation Measures for Anambra Cave: A Preliminary Report. Journal of Geography and Environmental, 3(1), 129-144.
Odum, C. J. (2024). Tourism and the fourth industrial revolution technologies in emerging economies. A paper read at the 6th International Cappadocia Scientific Research Congress. Retrieved 29 March 2024 from Available online at http://ottourism.blogspot.com /2024 /04.
Okonkwo, E. E., Ezekaka, A., & Igwemadu, M. (2017). Cave Tourism and its Implications to Tourism Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Agu-Owuru Cave in Ezeagu. International Journal of Research in Tourism and Hospitality (IJRTH), 3(3), 16-24.
Okpoko, P. U., Okonkwo, E. E., & Eyisi, P. A. (2016). Preliminary study of Affia Cave, Waterfall and Natural Bridge in Okpatu, Enugu State. Journal of Tourism and Heritage Studies, 5(1-2), 50-63.
Oriaku, C.C. (2021). Sectoral performance and the development of rural communities in Africa: An Appraisal of the potentials of the Ogbunike cave in Nigeria. International Journal of Operational Research in Management, Social Sciences & Education, 7(1), 17-28.
Owiyo, V. & Mulwa, J.M. (2018). Safety and Security in tourism destinations: its moderating role in the destination competitiveness determinants and destinations competitiveness nexus in Western Kenya Circuit. International Journal of Research in Management & Business Studies, 5(3), 30-33.
Poku, G. & Boakye-Kwaku, A.A. (2019). A Safety and Security Audit of the Kakum National Park: Observed reality versus managerial perspective. African Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 2(1), 16-32.
Rahman, M. S. (2016). The advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative approaches and methods in language “testing and assessment” research: A literature review. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(1), 102-112.
Rezende, D., Gossling, M., & Castro, N. (2023). Consumer behavior in tourism in health crises: A model using the theory of protection motivation in farm hotels. Brazilian Business Review, 21(3), 1-29.
Rogers, R. (1975). A protection motivation theory of fear appeals and attitude change1. Journal of Psychology, 91 (1), 93-114.
Rogers, R. (1983). Cognitive and Physiological Processes in Fear Appeals and Attitude Change: A Revised Theory of Protection Motivation. 153-177. In: Cacioppo, J. and Petty, R., Eds., Social Psychophysiology, Guilford Press, New York.
Santana-Gallego, M., Fourie, J., & Rosselló (2019). The effect of safety and security issues on international tourism. Annals of Tourism Research, 80(4), 1-4.
Sunday, P. (2024). How security agents killed suspected kidnappers, rescued 20 medical students. Retrieved August 25, 2 0 2 4 Available online at https://punchng.com/how- security-agents-killed-suspected-kidnapper-rescued-20-medical-students.
Umeakuka, M. J. (2022). The Effects of Insecurity on Tourism in a Developing Economy- The Case of Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Management and Safety, 13(3), 17-29.
Van Maanen, J. (1979). Reclaiming qualitative methods for organizational research: A preface
Wang, J., Liu-Lastres, B., Ritchie, B.W., & Mills, D. J. (2019). Travelers’ self-protection against health risks: An application of the full protection motivation theory. Annals of Tourism 78, 102743.
Wenjia, R, Sanghoon, K. & HakJun, S. (2020): Applying protection motivation theory to understand international tourists’ behavioral intention under the threat of air pollution: A case of Beijing, China, Current Issues in Tourism, DOI:10.1080/13683500.2020.1743242
Xu, F., Niu, W., Li, S., & Bai, Y. (2020). The Mechanism of Word-of-Mouth for Tourist Destinations in Crisis. Sage Open, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244020919491
Zou, Y. & Yu, Q. (2022). Sense of safety towards tourism destinations: A social constructivist perspective. Journal of Destination Marketing & Management, 24, 100708.
Published
2024-09-22
How to Cite
MUONEKE, N. (2024). Safety and Security Concerns in Nigeria’s Tourism Sector: The Issue of Geotourism Destinations. Information Management and Business Review, 16(3(I), 616-625. https://doi.org/10.22610/imbr.v16i3(I).4014
Issue
Section
Research Paper
Copyright (c) 2024 Nzubechukwu MUONEKE
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Author (s) should affirm that the material has not been published previously. It has not been submitted and it is not under consideration by any other journal. At the same time author (s) need to execute a publication permission agreement to assume the responsibility of the submitted content and any omissions and errors therein. After submission of revised paper in the light of suggestions of the reviewers, the editorial team edits and formats manuscripts to bring uniformity and standardization in published material.
This work will be licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) and under condition of the license, users are free to read, copy, remix, transform, redistribute, download, print, search or link to the full texts of articles and even build upon their work as long as they credit the author for the original work. Moreover, as per journal policy author (s) hold and retain copyrights without any restrictions.
