Potentials of Coastal tourism and Hospitality in Lagos state, Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.

Abstract

Coastal regions are a main component of the world’s tourism industry, attracting millions of tourists the world over. Studies have shown that coastal tourism contributes significantly to the growth and eco-nomic development of world nations. Despite this, the industry is largely untapped in Nigeria. This study investigates the prospects of coastal tourism in Lagos State, Nigeria. Using purposive sampling, we selected six participants who were long-term employees or managers at prominent coastal tourism sites in Lagos State, Nigeria. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews and analyzed qualitatively. The findings reveal several significant challenges including environ-mental issues such as flooding, water pollution, and littering. Infrastructural challenges such as unreliable electricity, traffic congestion, and inadequate waste management systems, and regulatory challenges, such as bureaucratic delays and unclear laws. These problems are worsened by human activities, poor waste disposal systems, and challenges associated with climate change including harsh weather conditions and rising sea levels. Despite these challenges, the potential for coastal tourism in Lagos State is immense. The industry can drive economic and infrastructural development, create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and improve the livelihoods of coastal com-munities. To achieve these potentials, the study suggests several strategies including the adoption of sustainable practices, fostering partnerships and collaborations, and investing in essential infrastructure. The study avers that the Lagos state coastal tourism industry can significantly improve when the identified challenges and recommended strategies are acknowledged and implemented respectively. Keywords/tags (subjects): Costal Tourism, Beach, Challenges, Potentials, Lagos State, Nigeria.