International Journal of Public Administration and Policy Vol.
No.
2, 2025, pp.
E-ISSN 3089-9451.
DOI: 10.
58290/ijpap.
Assessment of Tourism FeaturesAo Deficiencies and Tourist Demand of Destinations in the Niger Delta.
Nigeria Eric Ideh1.
Awaritefe2.
Sajini3 1,2,3 Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability.
Delta State University.
Abraka.
Nigeria Article Info Article history:
Received 05 20, 2025 Revised 06 11, 2025 Accepted 07 03, 2025 Keywords:
Assessment.
Tourism.
Deficiencies.
Demand.
Destinations.
Respondents ABSTRACT Tourism is important for the growth and development of any economy, either national or regional.
thus, it is essential to pay attention to the factors that motivate tourist demand for a destination.
In the Niger Delta, policies on tourism are not well articulated, and one of the consequences of this is that the recreational needs of both local and foreign tourists are not adequately met.
In light of the foregoing, this study sought to investigate tourism features deficiencies and the tourist level of demand for the destination in the Niger Delta.
Nigeria.
The Service Quality Theory (SQT) was the theoretical framework that guided the study.
Twelve tourist destinations were chosen from six states that comprise south-south Niger Delta, including Ossosso and Igarra tourist destinations in Edo State.
Rivotel hotel and Gordon Resort hotel in Delta State.
Ox-Bow lake and Peace Park tourist destinations in Bayelsa State.
Port Harcourt Zoo and Pleasure Park in Rivers State.
Ibeno Beach and Garden Hotel Resort in Akwa-Ibom state, as well as the National Museum and Tinapa tourist destination in Cross River State.
A total of 950 respondents across the 12 tourist destinations constituted the sample size for this study, and primary data through the use of wellstructured questionnaires were extracted from these respondents.
The Crumbach Alpha method was used to measure the validity of the instrument, and result shows a strong positive reliability of the The data was analyzed first by using descriptive statistics, while the multiple Regression technique was used to test the study The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant difference among tourist destinations in their deficiency of tourism features.
The findings also revealed that features which were lacking in tourist destinations but needed urgent provisions are a variety of affordable food and drinks, horse and donkey riding, a standard zoo and museum, and affordable and comfortable Others include: student hostels, picnics, attractions and medical facilities.
In light of these findings, the study recommended, among others, that tourist facilities, considered lacking, should be adequately provided and tailored to cater for the diverse needs of tourists in destination centers in the Niger Delta.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA Journal homepage: https://journal.
id/index.
php/ijpap A E-ISSN 3089-9451 Corresponding Author:
Eric Ideh Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability.
Delta State University.
Abraka.
Nigeria Email: ugookolie4@gmail.
INTRODUCTION
For a destination to be chosen for a holiday, all the components of the destination amalgam, such as infrastructures, superstructures, amenities, access, retailing, accommodation, food and beverages, and other ancillary services .
hich combined to bring about a satisfying experienc.
should be readily available in tourism destinations.
(Awaritefe & Ebunu, 2.
Tourism is the temporary movement by tourists to destinations outside the normal home and workplace, the activities undertaken during the stay and the facilities created to cater for the needs of the tourists ("Matheson and Wall, 2.
By the definition of tourism, it is obvious that a destination has to be attractive enough to attract tourists to visit the destination.
Thus, the quality of a destination's attributes puts the destination at a competitive edge over others in terms of its patronage by tourists.
Furtherman ore (Goodall, 2.
, maintained that for a destination to be chosen for a holiday, the main task of tourism providers is to understand the characteristics of the products they plan, control, and manage as well as understand the characteristics of various groups of tourists which they intend to The lack of coordination and improper implementation of tourism policy in the Niger Delta have led to haphazard development of tourism.
Additionally, many tourist destinations lack features and facilities that are most highly desired by tourists.
Some tourist sites are without electricity, water, and sewage disposal systems.
In most cases too, the facilities needed by tourists for recreation, leisure, entertainment, relaxation, accommodation, to mention a few, are either lacking, inadequate, dysfunctional, substandard or obsolete.
The consequence of all this is that the recreational needs of both local and foreign tourists are not adequately met, leading to low patronage.
In a study carried out by him, he opined that the lack of provision of adequate and functional features/facilities in a destination center is one of the major causes of low level of tourism development and low patronage of destination centers in third-world countries.
Goodall .
, further explains that tourists show a high level of correspondence between the problems or hindrances they encounter in specific destinations and the tourist destinations demanded.
Saayman .
, explained that a wide range of problems in tourist destinations, such as non-availability and dysfunctionality of tourism features and facilities, have inadvertently, negatively affected the overall quality experience available to tourism patrons, culminating in low patronage of such destinations.
Thus, it is important to know tourists' needs and preferences to make adequate provision for them in destination centers.
Tourism providers should make it a priority to examine and understand tourist needs because the provision of adequate and functional features and facilities in a destination gives it a competitive edge over others and enhances the increase in the patronage of the destination.
An important aspect of a tourist's choice of destination is the image of the destination, which is dependent upon the quality of service supply.
Thus, the image will obviously affect an individualAos preference and motivation towards tourism as it will provide a AupullAy effect resulting in different demand schedules (Awaritefe, 2.
Saayman .
Lam and Hsu.
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Berli and Martins .
observed that images held of a destination are major determinants of visitation or destination selection, or a return holiday.
If tourists are satisfied with their trips, a positive destination image will translate into their intention to revisit/or recommend the destination and vice versa.
Petrick .
maintained that there should be consistency between the image portrayed and the actual product quality offered at the Consequently, they opined that the image of insecurity, as well as poor service and lack of hospitality-related attributes in any destination, leads to a negative image.
According to Lam and Hsu .
, the ability to attract tourists and spell success or failure for the destination depends largely on touristsAo motivation based on the image that tourists have of the destination.
They also believe that the destination attractiveness as well as good accommodation.
Sunlust, and clean beaches, motivate tourists to demand a destination.
Allen Gonzalez et al .
, in his study of destination image, observed that the destination image of infrastructures, amenities, and facilities act as a pulling force on tourists to travel.
observed that the unavailability of tourism features hinders demand.
George .
Gallaza .
and Formica .
corroborating the findings of Mill and Morison .
maintained that there should be consistency between the image portrayed in promotional activities and the actual product quality offered at destinations.
Buttler .
Cardoso.
Araujo and Dias .
World Tourism Organization .
, and Al-Ababneh .
maintained that AuThere is no amount of advertising and public relation can fool the public for long, if the reality fails to match the image portrayed of a destinationAy.
They observed that nobody is ready to visit a country for tourism if for any reason, he or she dislikes the image.
The role of destination images in the holiday selection process is succinctly presented by Goodall .
and Lee .
, who observed that unless a given destination figures amongst a would-be tourist's current set of mental images, it has no chance of being selected or chosen as a holiday base.
World Tourism Organization (WTO, 2.
noted that nobody is ready to visit a country for tourism if, for any reason, he/she dislikes its image.
Kozak .
Lam and Hsu .
maintained that the success or failure of the destination depends largely on tourists' perception of the image of the tourism destination, which is dependent upon the quality of service supply.
Further to the explanation of the importance of image in destination selection.
Law .
propounded a theory called AIDA.
The Theory explained the role of image in destination selection.
AIDA means: Awareness.
Interest.
Desire.
Action.
The Theory suggests that before a tourist select a destination, he/she must be aware of the destination and have the interest and desire before action to visit the destination.
This assertion is corroborated by Mill and Morrison .
who maintain that destination selections is dependent upon the potential tourists perception of the ability of the destination to satisfy the tourist needs for travelling.
They maintained that the inability of destinations to supply the actual features needed by tourists could spell failure for the destination.
Yeledour .
, maintained that tourist satisfaction in a destination brings about positive However a lack of satisfaction resulting from a lack of certain facilities at the destination can have negative impact on the tourist motivation choice satisfaction The existing studies have widely suggested that there is a relationship between destination features supply and tourist motivation.
In order words, past studies maintained that consumer satisfaction is a function of expectation related to certain important attributes of a destination.
Factors that attract tourist to demand destination include favourable environment, infrastructure, attractions, recreational activities, reception, hotels, restaurants.
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picnics, and events.
Huang and Xiao .
maintained that the deficiency of these motivation variables can discourage tourists and potential tourists from visiting a Research problems Past research, such as that by Awaritefe.
, has proven that the most prominent motivation for choice of tourism destinations in third world countries are attractiveness of a destination, quality service, facilities, and amenities, as well as favourable locations and accessibility of Centers.
All these emerged as important factors in touristsAo destination That means their non-availability or dysfunctionality at the destination center may result in a boycott or no demand for the destination.
Olsen and Cassee .
, have identified six forces that influence choices of a destination.
These are safety, security, accommodation, accessibility, transport and attractions.
According to them, tourists have high preferences for places that have adequate and functional features/facilities as well as security for their lives and properties.
They further maintained that if adequate security measures are not put in place, it can cause hindrances to tourism demand.
However.
Studies on motivation of environmental quality as a factor of tourist demand in the Niger Delta is fraught with abysmal negligence.
This is in contrast to what is obtainable in the developed countries of the world.
It is important to note that information on the influence of environmental attributes on tourist demand dates back to the 1950s in the developed world, but in the Niger Delta, there's a dearth of information on the motivation of tourist demand for the destination, and this may have resulted to haphazard development of tourism in the region.
Furthermore, the lack of tourism planning and plan implementation by the government and other stakeholders could have also led to a lack of or inadequate provisions of destination features most desired or needed by local and foreign tourists in tourist destinations in the Niger Delta.
In light of the foregoing, this study investigated tourism features deficiencies with a view to identifying the features most highly needed by tourists but were not available in destinations in the Niger Delta.
The objective of the study The objective of this study is to:
Identify variations in Environmental features and deficiencies in relation to tourist needs in various destinations in the Niger Delta.
Hypothesis The hypothesis tested in this study is: Ho: There is no significant difference among tourists destinations in their deficiencies of tourism features in relation to tourist needs in destinations in the Niger Delta.
Theoretical Framework The theory used for this study is that developed by Parasuraman .
It is called the Service Quality Theory (SQT).
This theory emphasizes the supply of good-quality tourism products by tourism providers to arouse tourist patronage of a destination.
According to Parasuraman .
, tourists show a correspondence between the quality of tourism products provided at destination centers and their level of patronage of that destination.
This Theory of supply influencing demand is the framework for determining the level of tourist patronage, which is a function of supply quality.
In other words, the ability or inability of tourism operators to adequately conceptualize the needs of tourists of various groups and IJPAP.
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translate them into quality product supply will determine the level of patronage of a tourist It is therefore possible to assume that since touristsAo needs are changing, intermediaries should also adapt their strategies and that the offer would consequently consider this evolution in order to arouse touristsAo patronage of destinations (World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), 2.
In the Niger Delta, where the tourism industry is at the embryonic stage, the service quality theory provides a basic framework for tourism development in the context of adequate provision of tourist needs in tourist destinations.
In the late 1970s.
British Airways suffered from a considerably slow growth rate, but in 1983 the company was reorganized in the context of the service quality theory, which recognized customers' needs and which eventually led to the company's rapid growth thereafter.
METHOD
This study is designed to use a questionnaire to obtain data from 950 respondents who are spread across the 12 destination centers.
Data for this study were obtained from a questionnaire survey.
The study required data to analyze the destination features deficiencies in relation to touristsAo needs in various destinations in the Niger Delta.
A pre-study was carried out to obtain preliminary information on the location of the tourism destinations for study in the Niger Delta.
Thereafter, a questionnaire was drawn.
The questionnaire focused on tourists' general assessment of the destinations they have visited or are currently visiting, such as things liked and disliked, problems encountered, features/facilities that are available and not available in various tourist destinations, and suggestions for improvement of destinations visited.
Validity of Instrument.
The research instrument was validated by the expert judgment of the Head of Department of Geography, two lecturers in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management.
University of Delta.
Agbor.
Reliability of Instrument.
To test the reliability of the research instrument, thirty .
copies of questionnaires were administered on two different occasions.
Fifteen .
questionnaires were administered to respondents on each occasion, three weeks apart.
The result was subjected to the Crumbach Alpha method, which revealed an Alpha value of 0.
The Alpha value of 0.
is an indication of high positive reliability.
This means that the questionnaire is reliable.
Sampling Method Every Friday.
Saturday and Sunday of each week for two months were used for questionnaire survey of tourists.
The respondents were intercepted for questionnaire surveys on arrival at the destination centers.
The questionnaires were delivered by hand and the respondents were allowed adequate time to fill the questionnaires and return them before leaving the destination centers.
A total of 1060 questionnaires were administered to tourists in the study area.
Out of this figure, 950 questionnaires were retrieved from respondents, while 110 were not retrieved, .
ee Table .
Table 1: Distribution of Questionnaires in the study Area
Table 1: Distribution of Questionnaires in the Study Area
The 6
Touris Regions The Tourist
Destination Number
Question
Distribut
Number
Question
Returned Number
Question
naire not Returned Percenta
Question
Returned Percenta
Question
Returne Eric Ideh
Ossosso
/Igarra Tourism
Region
River
Ethiope Abraka
Tourism
Region
Yenago
Tourism
Region
Port
Harcour
Tourism
Region
Eket
Toursim
Region
Calabar
Tourism
Region
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Ossosso Tourist Centre.
Ossosso Igarra Tourist Destination.
Igarra Rivotel Hotel Golf Resort Hotel Gordons Resort Hotel and Mccarthy Beach.
Abraka OxBow Lake Tourist Center Yenagoa Peace Park Tourist Destination.
Yenagoa Port Harcourt Zoo.
Port Harcourt Port Harcourt Pleasure.
Port Harcourt Ibeno Beach.
Ibeno.
Eket Grace Garden Hotel Resort.
Eket National Museum Calabar Tinapa Tourist Centre Calabar Total Source: Field Work, 2024.
Deficient but needed Tourism Features in Tourist Destinations.
The objectives of this study is to identify variations in tourism features deficiencies in various destinations in the Niger Delta.
Nigeria.
In other words, the purpose of this study is to identify tourism features needed by tourists but were not available in the destinations A total of 27 features were identified by tourists as deficient or lacking in various IJPAP.
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destinations in Niger Delta.
The responses of tourists regarding the features that they desired but were not available or deficient at the tourist destinations as summarized in Table 2.
Eric Ideh
Defici But Neede Destin
Featu
Const
Const
Chea
Medi
Low
Unpo
Swim
Pool/ Zoo
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Table 2: Deficient But Needed Tourism Features in Tourist Destinations Ossosso/Igar River Yenagoa Port Harcourt Eket Tourism ra Tourism Ethiope/Abraka Tourism Tourism Region.
Region.
AkwaRegion.
Edo Tourism Region.
Region.
Rivers State Ibom State State Delta State Bayelsa State Oss Igarr Rivotel Gordons OxPeac Port PortHa Ibeno Grace Hotel Resort Bow eHarco Beach.
Garden Tou Tour and Hotel Lake park Pleasu Eket Hotel Golf Tour Reso Zoo.
Dest Cent Resort.
Mccarth ist Port Park.
Resort, inati er.
Abrak y Beach.
Cent Desti Harco Port Eket Igarr a Abraka Harco Oss Yena n.
Yena .
Calabar Tourism Region.
Cross River State Nation Museu Calaba Tinapa Resort Destin Calaba .
Tot .
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Muse Good Super et/ma Com Stude Hoste Facili s/spo Facili r and Amu Attra s/Pic Hors e/Do .
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Eric Ideh .
Boat/ Cine
Facili ing/re on/en t/part Adeq
Secur Varie ty of Relig
Cente Prom
Quiet
/clea Free
Wom
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Facili Total
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Source: Field Work, 2024 .
Table 2 above shows the tourism features that were needed by tourists but were deficient or lacking in the tourist destinations visited by tourists.
This issue according to the tourist, posed as problems and needed urgent solutions.
The deficient but needed destination features in the various destination centers are presented and discussed below.
Ossosso Tourist Destination.
Ossosso In Ossosso Tourist Destination.
Ossosso, tourists expressed great desire for: the provision of swimming pool .
33%), medical facilities .
33%), horse and donkey riding .
33%), students hostel .
%) as well as facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
%).
Tourists in this destination center, also crave for the provision of amusement park, picnics and attractions .
%), facilities for relaxation, entertainment parties and clubbing .
%), cinema viewing .
%) and constant electricity .
66%).
Others include the provision of zoo .
33%), adequate security .
and museum .
33%).
Igarra Tourist Center Table 2 reveals that the destination features which are deficient and requiring provision in Igarra tourist center are: constant electricity .
%), zoo .
%), student hostel .
%) and facilities for clubbing, entertainment, relaxation and party .
%).
These destination features tie equal weight in terms of their urgent need in this tourist Other items that are of priority need in this tourist center and which also tie weight include medical facilities .
57%), swimming pool .
57%) and museum .
57%).
Next are amusement park and picnic .
14%) and good toilet cistern .
71%).
Rivotel Hotel and Golf Resort.
Abraka In Rivotel Hotel, tourists crave the need for the provision of zoo .
Students hostel .
30%), museum .
04%) and constant electricity .
86%).
Other features requiring urgent provision in this destination center include: cinema viewing .
78%), variety of affordable food and drinks .
69%).
Cheap accommodation .
52%) as well as medical facilities .
52%).
Gordons Resort Hotel and McCarthy Beach.
Abraka In this destination center, tourist indicated as their priority, the need for the provision of Horse and donkey riding .
04%), museum .
77%), zoo .
63%) as well as medical facilities .
63%) both the zoo and medical facilities tie equal weight in terms of their priority needs in Gordons Resort Hotel.
Abraka.
Other perceived Eric Ideh
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deficiencies requiring provisions are cheap accommodation .
36%) and variety of affordable food and drinks .
09%).
Ox-Bow Lake Tourist Destination.
Yenagoa In Table 2, the details show that 11.
36% of the tourists desire amusement parks, picnics and attractions.
Other perceived deficiencies are facilities for games and sports .
22%), facilities for relaxation, entertainment, and parties .
22%), both of which tie equal weight in terms of urgent priority needs and provision.
Other destination features which also tie equal weight in terms of urgent provision in this center are horse and donkey riding .
85%), students' hostel .
85%), cheap accommodation .
85%), zoo .
45%), museum .
45%) and affordable food and drink .
45%).
Peace Park Destination Center Tourists in Peace Park resort destination.
Yenagoa, indicated the need for the provision of constant electricity .
12%), zoo .
51%), horse and donkey riding .
5%).
Furthermore, the details in Table 4.
11 also show that tourists features requiring provisions in this destination center include: museum .
29%), facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
92%), and accommodation .
Port Harcourt zoo.
Port Harcourt Table 2 shows that variety of affordable food and drinks .
66%), students' hostel .
%) and cheap accommodation .
66%) rank highest as the most deficient but needed features in Port Harcourt zoo destination center, followed by the provision of many species of animals and birds in the zoo .
33%).
This item tie equal weight with the provision of the museum .
33%) in terms of priority needs in this destination center.
Next are medical facilities .
%) and facilities for games and sports .
%).
Port Harcourt Pleasure Park.
Port Harcourt The features desired most by tourists in Pleasure Park tourist destination are horse/donkey riding .
84%), zoo .
86%), cheap accommodation .
as well as variety of affordable food and drinks .
87%).
Other priority needs of tourists in this center include: students' hostel .
89%), clean and quiet environment .
91%),
90%) and adequate security .
96%).
Ibeno Beach Ibeno.
Eket The following facilities were indicated by tourists as being deficient or lacking in Ibeno beach.
Eket, of which tourist crave their urgent provisions.
These facilities are:
facilities for relaxation, entertainment, parties .
65%), followed by medical facilities .
69%), a variety of affordable food and drinks .
95%) as well as facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
95%).
Others include horse/donkey riding .
95%), religious center .
58%), and constant water supply .
47%).
Grace Garden Hotel and Resort.
Eket Here in Grace Garden Hotel, the most desired facilities by tourists according to their priority needs are: variety of affordable food and drinks .
13%), cinema viewing .
04%), facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
90%).
Others include amusement park, picnics and attractions .
63%), cheap accommodation .
36%),
horse/donkey riding .
22%) and low cost of transportation .
68%).
National Museum.
Calabar In this destination center, tourists indicate their priority, the need for the provision of both indoor and outdoor games .
22%).
variety of affordable food and drinks .
87%), amusement park, picnics, and attractions .
87%), both of which tie in IJPAP.
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terms of priority needs of the tourists in the national museum.
Calabar.
Other deficient but needed features or facilities in this destination center include: facilities for relaxation, entertainment, reception .
09%), low cost of transportation .
and facilities for games and sports .
11%).
Tinapa Tourist Resort.
Calabar The details in Table 2, show that 19.
56% of the tourists in the Tinapa resort destination desire the provision of a variety of affordable food and drinks.
Other perceived deficiencies include horse/donkey riding .
30%), students' hostel .
21%), cheap accommodation .
21%), zoo .
95%), museum .
04%) and quiet, clean environment .
69%).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Statistical Test for the Hypothesis of the Study Based on the findings presented above, we ought to test the hypothesis of the study, which states: Ho that there is no significant difference amongst tourist destinations in their deficiencies of tourism features.
The alternative hypothesis (HI) states that there is a significant difference amongst tourist destinations in their deficiencies of tourism features.
To test the hypothesis of this study, the multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether or not significant differences exist among tourist destinations in their deficiencies of tourism features.
To test the hypothesis of this study, the multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether or not significant differences exist among tourist destinations in their deficiencies of tourism features.
This was done by identifying the deficiencies in tourist To ascertain whether this observation could have occurred by chance, a multiple regression analysis was carried out.
The results from the analysis show that significant differences exist among tourist destinations in their deficiencies of tourism We therefore accept the alternative hypothesis (HI) and reject the null hypothesis (H.
The multiple regression result revealed variations in destination features, deficiencies in tourism centres as presented below.
Ossosso B-117, t=92.
7, p=0.
00<0.
Igarra =.
111, 1-80.
388, p=0.
01<0.
Rivotel Hotel B-98, t=79.
728, p=0.
00<0.
Gordons Resort-B-.
391, 1-9.
962, p=0.
00<0.
Oxbow Lake B=.
125, t-85.
203, p=0.
00<0.
PHC Zoo-B-.
105, 1132.
304, p=0.
00<0.
PHC Pleasure Park-B-.
123, t-79.
96, p=0.
00<0.
Ibeno Beach-B-.
119,1-110.
82, p = 0.
00<0.
Grace Garden-B-.
116, t-93.
717, p=0.
00<0.
National Museum-8=.
118, 1-72.
632, p=0.
00<0.
Peace Park-B-.
108,1-119.
091, p=0.
00<0.
Tinapa Calabar-B-.
118, 1-85.
220, p=0.
00<0.
05 mutiple The multiple regression results depict that there is a significant difference among the tourist destinations in their deficiencies of tourist features.
This suggests that destination centres with better and more attractive features are visited by tourists, while those deficient in destination features are less visited.
The results from the analysis show that significant difference exists amongst touristsAo destinations in their deficiencies of tourism features.
therefore accept the alternative hypothesis (H.
and reject the null hypothesis (H.
: that Eric Ideh
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there is no significant difference among touristsAo destinations in the deficiencies of tourism Findings Table 2 detail reveals the destination features/activities which were lacking or deficient but needed urgent provisions in the various tourist destinations in the Niger Delta and in accordance with their level of indications by tourists are presented below:In Ossosso tourist destination the features requiring urgent provisions are swimming pool .
33%),
medical facilities .
33%).
Horse and Donkey riding .
33%) and students hostel .
%), facilities for indoors and outdoor games .
%) as well as facilities for clubbing, relaxation, entertainment .
%).
In the Igarra tourist destination, the features desired most by tourists include: constant electricity .
%).
Zoo .
%), student hostels .
%) and facilities for relaxation, clubbing, parties .
%).
Tourists in the Rivotel hotel and Golf resort needed the provision of Zoo .
30%) student hostel .
30%), and a museum .
04%).
Tourists in Gordons Resort Hotel and McCarthy beach required Horse/Donkey riding .
04%),
77%).
Zoo .
63%).
Tourists to Ox-Bow lake destination center need the provision of amusement park, picnics, attractions .
36%), facilities for games/sports .
22%) and also students hostel .
58%).
In the Peace Park, tourist destinations tourist required constant electricity .
12%),
51%), horse/donkey riding .
58%), and museum .
29%).
In Port Harcourt zoo, tourists needed a variety of affordable foods/drink/s .
66%), student hostel .
%) and cheap accommodation .
66%).
In Pleasure Park.
Port Harcourt, tourist were desirous of horse/donkey riding .
84%) and cheap accommodation .
86%).
Tourists in Ibeno beach.
Ibeno needed the provision of facilities for relaxation, entertainment, reception .
65%),
medical facilities and affordable food and drinks .
95%) as well as facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
95%).
Tourists in Grace Garden Hotel and Resort desired affordable food and drinks .
13%).
cinema viewing .
04% ), facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
90%),
amusement park/attractions/picnics .
63%), cheap accommodation .
36%),
horse/donkey riding .
22%).
The priority desires of tourists who patronized the National Museum were facilities for indoor and outdoor games .
22%), a variety of affordable food and drinks .
87%), as well as amusement parks, picnics, and attractions .
87%).
The details in Table 11 reveal that tourists in the Tinapa tourist resort desire the provision of a variety of affordable food and drinks .
56%).
Other perceived deficiencies in this tourist center are horse/donkey riding .
30%), students' hostel .
21%), cheap accommodation .
21%), museum .
04%) and zoo .
95%).
CONCLUSION
A major issue worthy of mention from the study is the recognition of the challenges faced by destinations in meeting tourist expectations.
The discrepancies between promotional images and the actual experiences offered at destinations often lead to dissatisfaction, which can have long-term implications for the sustainability of tourism in the region.
Addressing these gaps requires a concerted effort from stakeholders to improve infrastructure, enhance service quality, and ensure that the reality of the destination aligns with its marketed image.
This is particularly crucial in an era where tourists are increasingly discerning and have access to a wealth of information that shapes their expectations.
Looking ahead, the findings of this study have significant implications for the future of tourism development in the Niger Delta and similar regions.
As the global tourism IJPAP.
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industry continues to evolve, destinations must adapt to changing traveler preferences and emerging trends.
There is a growing demand for authentic, immersive experiences that allow tourists to connect with local cultures and environments.
This presents an opportunity for the Niger Delta to leverage its unique natural and cultural assets to attract a broader audience.
However, achieving this will require strategic planning, investment in sustainable tourism practices, and collaboration between government, private sector, and local communities.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of continuous research and data-driven decision-making in tourism management.
By understanding the motivations and preferences of different tourist segments, destinations can tailor their offerings to meet specific needs, thereby enhancing visitor satisfaction and fostering repeat visitation.
As the region moves forward, it will be essential to prioritize innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability to ensure that tourism development benefits both visitors and local communities.
In doing so, the Niger Delta can position itself as a competitive and resilient tourism destination in the years to come.
Recommendations The Niger Delta region, with its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse tourist attractions, has immense potential to become a leading tourism destination in Nigeria.
However, for it to fully realize this potential, practical and achievable measures must be implemented to address existing challenges and enhance the overall tourist experience.
Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to guide tourism development in the region.
First, addressing infrastructure deficiencies is critical to improving the tourist Tourists highlighted issues such as inconsistent electricity and water supply, inadequate medical facilities, and limited affordable accommodation.
To resolve these challenges, destination managers should ensure reliable utilities by investing in standby generators, solar power systems, and water treatment facilities.
Affordable lodging options, such as hostels and budget-friendly hotels, should be developed to cater to the needs of tourists of low-income tourists.
Furthermore, well-equipped medical centers should be established in tourist destinations to address emergencies and ensure the safety and wellbeing of visitors.
Second, the provision and upgrading of key tourist features and facilities should be Sports activities, recreational facilities, and cultural attractions were identified as significant motivators for tourists.
For instance, expanding and modernizing sports facilities such as basketball courts, volleyball pitches, and badminton courts will cater to the preferences of tourists.
Similarly, enhancing cultural and historical attractions, such as museums, and historical sites, will appeal to tourists of different segments.
Additionally, investing in relaxation and entertainment amenities, including amusement parks, picnic spots, and nightlife options, will attract a broader range of tourists.
Third, effective promotion and marketing strategies are essential to attract both domestic and international tourists.
Targeted campaigns using radio, television, social media, and print media should highlight the unique features of each destination, emphasizing their appeal to specific tourist segments.
Additionally, promotional materials should accurately reflect the actual features and experiences available at cach destination to avoid discrepancies between expectations and reality.
Improving transportation networks and providing clear directions to tourist sites will also enhance accessibility and convenience for Fourth, the development of wildlife and adventure tourism presents a significant opportunity for the region.
Tourists expressed a strong desire for game reserves and wildlife Eric Ideh
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attractions, which are currently underdeveloped.
Establishing standard game reserves and wildlife parks will attract tourists interested in nature and adventure tourism.
Fifth, given that the majority of tourists are Nigerians, efforts should be concentrated on promoting domestic tourism.
Local campaigns that highlight the cultural, historical, and recreational attractions of the Niger Delta will encourage Nigerian citizens to explore their own country.
Engaging local communities in tourism activities will create a sense of ownership and ensure sustainable development.
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