Tourism Development in Uncharted Locations: Olumo Rock Case Study

This case study investigates the potential of tourism development in relatively uncharted locations, using Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Nigeria, as a specific example. The research employs secondary data analysis to explore the economic benefits, challenges, and favorable factors associated with developing tourism at this destination. It highlights the growing trend of tourists seeking less-known destinations and emphasizes the potential for tourism to drive economic growth and foreign direct investment in Nigeria. The study also identifies hurdles such as infrastructure limitations and the need for local language skills, while suggesting strategies like collaboration with travel agencies and leveraging cultural events to attract more tourists to Olumo Rock. Ultimately, the research aims to provide insights and recommendations for authorities to expedite tourism network development in the area and contribute to the nation's economic revival.

Running head: TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
The importance of tourism development in remarkably uncharted locations: A case study of
Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Olumo state Nigeria
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
ABSTRACT
Tourism industry over the years had become an important cog in the economic wheel of the
different nations of the world and is greatly considered to be the “passport to development”.
However, at the same time it is seen that the concerned industry over the years had undergone
a significant amount of change. For example, one of the most important trends which is being
seen within the contemporary tourism industry is the fact that the tourists because of the
problems of over-tourism and others are increasingly opting for relatively unchartered
tourism destinations. This is precisely the reason why the researcher had selected the topic
“The importance of tourism development in remarkably uncharted locations: A case study of
Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Olumo state Nigeria” for the purpose of conducting research.
The researcher had divided the entire research work into six chapters, namely, introduction,
literature review, methodology, findings and discussion, conclusion and personal self-
reflection. Furthermore, for the effective completion of the researcher work, the researcher
had opted for the secondary data analysis method or more precisely the method of thematic
analysis. Thus, taking the help of this method, the researcher had tried to find the importance
or the benefits that the development of tourism at the Olumo Rock in Nigeria is likely to yield
to the concerned nation. Furthermore, the researcher had also tried to find out the favorable
factors and also the hurdles or the challenges that the authorities are likely to face for the
development of tourism at the concerned destination. More importantly, the researcher also
states various measures or ways through which the authorities can increase the number of
tourist footfalls at the concerned tourist destination like collaboration with travel agencies,
use of cultural or social events and others.
Keywords- unchartered destinations, tourism industry, foreign direct investment, economic
benefits, community development, etc.

2TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank my supervisor for offering me the opportunity to complete my research
work on the topic “The importance of tourism development in remarkably uncharted
locations: A case study of Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Olumo state Nigeria”. I would also like
to thank Mr. ………………….. for the constant support as well as academic help that he
offered me for the completion of this research work.
In addition to them, I would also like to thank my friends who had been a source of constant
support as well as help during the entire course of this research work.
Last but not the least, I would thank my family members for helping me out in every possible
manner which in turn enabled me to complete this research work.

3TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................5
1.1 Background of the Study.............................................................................................5
1.2 Brief overview of Olumo Rock........................................................................................6
1.3 Problem Statement.......................................................................................................6
1.4 Research Aim..............................................................................................................7
1.5 Research Objectives....................................................................................................7
1.6 Research Questions.....................................................................................................8
1.7 Rationale of the Study.................................................................................................8
1.8 Structure of the Study..................................................................................................9
1.9 Summary....................................................................................................................10
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................11
2.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................11
2.2 Tourism Industry............................................................................................................11
2.3 Key Tourism Theories....................................................................................................12
2.4 Emerging trends within the tourism industry.................................................................12
2.5 Concept of Uncharted Destination.................................................................................13
2.6 Significance of Uncharted Destination in Tourism........................................................14
2.7 Factors influencing the tourists to opt for Uncharted Destinations................................15
2.8 Challenges for Increasing Tourist Footfalls in Uncharted Destination..........................16
2.9 Ways to Attract Tourists to Uncharted Destination.......................................................17

4TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
2.10 Summary......................................................................................................................17
Chapter 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY...........................................................................19
3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................19
3.2 Research Philosophy......................................................................................................19
3.3 Research Approach........................................................................................................20
3.4 Research Design.............................................................................................................21
3.5 Data Collection Method.................................................................................................22
3.6 Data Analysis.................................................................................................................22
3.7 Ethical Considerations...................................................................................................22
3.8 Research Limitations......................................................................................................23
3.9 Summary........................................................................................................................23
Chapter 4: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS...............................................................................24
4.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................24
4.2 Critical Analysis.............................................................................................................24
4.2.1 Tourism in Nigeria..................................................................................................24
4.2.2 Importance of tourism development in the unchartered destination of Olumo Rock
in Nigeria..........................................................................................................................29
4.2.3 Hurdles for the development of tourism at Olumo Rock in Nigeria.......................31
4.2.4 Favorable factors for the development of tourism at Olumo Rock in Nigeria........33
4.3 Summary........................................................................................................................34
Chapter 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS...................................................35
Chapter 6: PERSONAL SELF-REFLECTION.......................................................................38

5TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
References................................................................................................................................40
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
As opined by Nonthapot (2016), the tourism and the travel industry had emerged as one
of the most important industries of the world on the score of the economic contribution which
it makes towards the national economies of the different nations of the world. As a matter of
fact, the gross revenue generated by the concerned industry in the year 2016 on a global basis
was more than $ 7.6 trillion, which accounted for 9.9% of the entire GDP of the world itself
(Statista.com, 2019). In addition to this, the concerned industry offered employment services
to more than 313 million people which itself accounts for more than 10.17% of the total
employment of the world (Eyuboglu & Eyuboglu, 2019). Shahzad et al. (2017) are of the
viewpoint that one of the most important aspects of the tourism industry is the fact that a
plethora of industries like hospitality, transport, entertainment, food and beverage industry
and others are directly dependent on the concerned industry. Moreover, the social as well as
the environmental contributions made by the industry under discussion here can in no way be
relegated to the background.
Ridderstaat, Croes and Nijkamp (2016) have articulated the viewpoint that one of the
major problems seen within the tourism industry is the fact that the majority of the tourism
activities are based on some specific tourist destinations and thereby only certain nations
have been able to benefit from the same. In this regard, mention needs to be made of the
tourism destinations of London, New York City, the Great Coral Reef in Australia and others
(Dogru & Bulut, 2018). However, when the particular context of the various under-developed
nations like Nigeria, Botswana and others is taken into consideration it is found that these

6TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
nations have failed to develop any significant tourism destinations or attractions, which in
turn is adversely affecting their national economy (Jaafar & Rasoolimanesh, 2015). This is
precisely the reason why the researcher had opted for the topic of development of tourism
designation in remarkably unchartered locations like Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Olumo state
Nigeria.
1.2 Brief overview of Olumo Rock
Olumo Rock, is a mountain in the south-west part of Nigeria and located in the
ancient city of Ogun State which is called by the name of Abeokuta (Nigeria.gov.ng, 2019).
More importantly, in the 19th century during the inter-tribal wars, this destination was mainly
used as a fortress by the Egba people of the concerned nation (Nigeria.gov.ng, 2019). One of
the most important aspects of the concerned mountain is the fact that it is located at a height
of 137 meters above the sea which in turn had contributed towards the picturesque beauty of
the concerned destination in a significant manner (Nigeria.gov.ng, 2019). Tourists visiting
this particular destination generally had to make the steep climb up the mountain which is too
risky for normal people and this is perhaps one of the major reasons why ladders are currently
being offered to the tourists. In addition to this, it is seen that the people visiting this
destination need to have atleast a rudimentary knowledge of the local language which is
completely different from the English language. However, the adventurous journey up the
mountain and also the picturesque beauty of the destination are the major gratification factors
which propel the tourists to visit the concerned destination.
1.3 Problem Statement
As mentioned above, the majority of the tourism destinations of the world are based in the
first world nations which in turn had contributed in a significant manner towards their
national economy. However, as opined by Rivera, Croes and Lee (2016), the tourists or the
individuals in the present are showing increasing propensity towards the unchartered or lesser

7TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
known tourist designations to undertake holidays or spend their leisure time. In this regard,
mention needs to be made of the nation of Nigeria which despite possessing picturesque
natural beauty and also the essential ingredients of a tourism designation had not been
explored till now by the tourists (Bimonte & Punzo, 2016). More importantly, the concerned
nation possesses abundant natural resources which could be easily utilized for bringing about
the economic revival of the concerned nation. In this context, it needs to be said that tourism
is often considered to be the “passport to development” and thus it is likely that the influx of
tourists from the diverse parts of the world is likely to bring in foreign direct investments
(FDIs) into the nation which in turn would strengthen the economy of the concerned nation
(De Vita et al., 2015). Thus, it can be said that the development of tourist destinations at
relatively unchartered designations like Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Nigeria is not only going
to help the tourism industry of the concerned nation but would at the same time help in the
growth or development of the other industries of the nation as well.
1.4 Research Aim
The aim of the research is to investigate the importance of tourism development in
remarkable uncharted locations in the particular context of Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Olumo
state Nigeria.
1.5 Research Objectives
The objectives selected for the research work are listed below-
1. To investigate the importance of tourism development in remarkable uncharted
locations
2. To analyze the significance of tourism development in Olumo Rock in Abeokuta,
Olumo state Nigeria

8TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
3. To probe into the hindrances and supporting factors in tourism development in Olumo
Rock
4. To recommend paths towards expediting the tourism network development in that
area
1.6 Research Questions
The questions that had been selected for the purpose of the research work are listed
below-
1) What is the importance of tourism development in remarkable uncharted locations?
2) What is significance of tourism of development in Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Olumo
state Nigeria?
3) What are the hurdles and favorable factors for tourism of development in Olomo
Rock?
4) To recommend ways towards rapid development of tourism in Olumo Rock?
1.7 Rationale of the Study
The issue that had been selected for the purpose of the research is the development of
tourist destinations at relatively unchartered locations like the Olomo Rock. In this regard, it
needs to be said that because of the under-developed nature of the nation, it is likely to face
various hurdles for the effective development of the tourism industry in the concerned nation
(Singh, 2017). This can be explained on the basis of the fact that the tourists even in the
present times like to opt for the well-renowned tourist designations and the relative obscurity
as well as the condition of Nigeria deter the people from opt to visit it (Seghir et al., 2015).
This is an issue presently because of the fact that the national economy of Nigeria despite the
aid given by the World Bank and UN had not shown signs of development and also many

9TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
tourists in the recent times had shown the desire to explore unchartered destinations (Roberts,
Hall & Morag, 2017). More importantly, the entry of tourists and the resultant exploration of
the nation by them is likely to bring in foreign investments as well which in turn would help
in the development of the nation (Antonakakis, Dragouni & Filis, 2015). Thus, it is likely that
this research work by proposing the development of tourist destination at Olomo Rock and
the benefits that it is likely to offer to the nation is likely to help in the same cause in a
significant manner. Moreover, the study albeit in a succinct manner will show the benefits as
well as hurdles that the different nations face for the development of tourist destination.
1.8 Structure of the Study
The entire study will consist of five chapters, namely, introduction, literature review,
methodology, findings and discussion and conclusion and recommendation. In the second
chapter, namely, literature review, the researcher will explore the topic under discussion here
in the light of the past literature which had been written on the same and will also use the
theories, models, concepts and others articulated in these past works. In the third chapter, the
researcher will state the detailed methodology which had been used for the collection as well
as the analysis needed for the completion of the research. In this regard, it needs to be said
that the researcher had opted for secondary data collection method and for the analysis of the
same the process of thematic analysis had been used. In the fourth chapter, findings and
discussion, an analysis of the secondary data had been undertaken. In chapter five, conclusion
and recommendations, the researcher summarizes the findings of the entire research and also
proposes some recommendations through which tourism can be developed in an effective
manner at Olomo Rock. Lastly, the research concludes with a personal self-reflection in
which the researcher will discuss personal experiences of completing the concerned work.

10TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Figure 1: Structure of the Study
Source: (Created by the Author)
1.9 Summary
In this chapter, the researcher had outlined the aim of the research along with its
objectives and research questions on the basis of which the entire study will be conducted. In
addition to this, the researcher had also outlined the structure of the study and rationale for
the selection of this topic as well.
Chapter
1:
Introducti
on
Chapter
2:
Literature
Review
Chapter
3:
Methodol
ogy
Chapter
4:
Findings
and
Discussio
n
Chapter
5:
Conclusio
n and
Recomme
ndations
Chapter
6: Self
Reflectio
n

11TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Chapter 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher had analyzed the past literature related to the concept of
unchartered tourism destinations, the benefits that they offer, the challenges that the
authorities face for the development of these locations and others. The researcher so as to
offer an effective understanding of the topic and also to facilitate the understanding of the
secondary sources which will be collected for the completion of the research had explained
these concepts in a succinct manner through the use of past literature.
2.2 Tourism Industry
As per the World Tourism Organization (2019), tourism can be defined as “as people
traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one
consecutive year for leisure and not less than 24 hours, business and other purposes”. The
tourism industry intends to cater to precisely this desire or the need of the people and intends
had develop various kinds of services to fulfill these very needs of the people (Rivera, 2017).
More importantly, the emergence of the tourism industry can be traced back to the ancient
times however commercialization took place in the industry only in the 19th and the 20th
centuries (Samimi, Sadeghi & Sadeghi, 2017). In the present times, it is seen that the tourism
industry offers a plethora of services to the tourists like travel options, dining options,
entertainment, transport and others (Chiu & Yeh, 2017). It is on the score of these services
offered by the concerned industry that it is directly connected with the other in industries of
the world like hospitality, transport, entertainment and others. In addition to these, it is seen
that the tourism industry is one of the highest revenue generating industries of the world and
is increasingly being used by the different nations to stabilize or rejuvenate their national
economies (De Vita & Kyaw, 2017). Moreover, in addition to the economic contribution that

12TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
the concerned industry, it also contributes in a significant manner towards the societal
development of the nations as well through the interchange of the culture of the tourists with
the native people of the concerned nation (Du, Lew & Ng, 2016). Thus, it can be said that if
used in an effective manner the tourism industry can very well serve as a “passport to
development” for the various nations.
2.3 Key Tourism Theories
Pawaskar and Goel (2016) are of the prominence gained by the tourism industry
becomes apparent from the large number of theories or models that are being used in the
present times. In this regard, it needs to be said that theory of sustainable development is one
of the most important ones within the framework of the contemporary tourism industry. As
per this theory, the tourism industry is required to contribute in an effective manner towards
the social, economic and the environmental development of the regions in which it is
operational (Lynch, 2018). More importantly, it is seen that for the purpose of attainment
sustainable development, the tourism industry is presently taking the help of the concept of
triple-bottom line approach to sustainability so as to contribute in an effective manner
towards the society, planet and the economy of the world (Hoogendoorn & Fitchett, 2018).
The net result of the effective usage of these concepts is that the tourism industry had not
only been able to contribute in an effective manner towards the sustainable development of
the world but had also been able to earn a higher amount of profitability through the
improvement of its brand image and also by winning the trust or the satisfaction of the
customers.
2.4 Emerging trends within the tourism industry
Cárdenas-García, Sánchez-Rivero and Pulido-Fernández (2015) have articulated the
viewpoint that the landscape of the tourism industry is a continuously changing one because
of the changing needs or the requirements of the tourists and also the extensive usage of the

13TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
different kinds of technological developments for enhancing the quality of the services which
are being offered to them. In this regard, it needs to be said that the extensive usage of
different kinds of innovative technologies had not only improve the nature of the services
which are being to the tourists but at the same time had made them more customer or tourist
friendly as well (Bilen, Yilanci & Eryüzlü, 2017). On the other hand, another important trend
which is being seen within the tourism industry is the fact that the different tourists rather
than opting for the well-known tourism destinations have shown increasing propensity for the
lesser known or unchartered tourist destinations (Pawaskar & Goel, 2016). This can be
explained on the basis of the fact that most of the tourist during their vacations or holidays
like to leave behind the frenzy of their routine lives and thereby have a peaceful holiday
(Lynch, 2018). In addition to this, the natural beauty as well as the comfortable environment
in the different unchartered destinations is another gratification factor for the tourists which
in turn make them opt for the diverse unchartered tourist destinations.
2.5 Concept of Uncharted Destination
Iankova, Hassan and L'Abbe (2016) have stated that the unchartered tourist
destinations are those which are not listed on the commonly available geographical maps and
also are generally not being preferred by the tourists because of the lack of exposure or
publicity that they get. However, in the recent times, it is seen that the problem of over-
tourism had emerged as one of the most important ones and this in turn is adversely affecting
the business prospects of the different world-renowned tourism destinations (Hoogendoorn &
Fitchett, 2018). This in turn makes the tourists opt for the lesser known as well as relatively
unexplored unchartered destinations which accounts for the popularity that they have gained
in the present times. In addition to these, it is seen that the unchartered destinations are those
which specializes in crating the best ways for the tourists to feel what it is like to be a local
when they travel (Cater, Funk & Low, 2018). However, Ajala and Aliu (2017) argue that the

14TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
popularity as well as the visitations received by a particular destination greatly depends on
the kind of facilities as well as entertainment value that the concerned destination offers to
the tourists. The net result of this is that the different unchartered tourist destinations are
increasingly organizing different kinds of entertainment as well as socio-cultural events to
attract and also to entertain the tourists. The usage of these measures by the national
governments of the relatively unexplored tourist destinations can be explained on the basis of
the fact that the concerned industry directly affects the GDP of any nation (Azevedo, 2018).
More importantly, it is seen that because of the problem of over-tourism, the tourists are
increasingly searching for offbeat locations like Nigeria, Botswana, Ethiopia and others
which in turn had made the unchartered tourist destinations of these nations particularly
important ones within the framework of the tourism industry (Lynch, 2018).
2.6 Significance of Uncharted Destination in Tourism
Chiu and Yeh (2017) have articulated the viewpoint that the tourism industry is one of
the major drivers of economic growth and some of the nations this is the major product that
they offer. However, in the particular context of the unchartered destinations it is seen that
these locations are often in a remote area away from the modern technological developments.
Thus, it is likely that the tourists who are opting for these destinations would spend a
considerable amount of capital on the local resources which in turn is likely to help in the
process of community development and also the development of the nation itself. More
importantly, in the majority of the cases it can even propel the national government of these
unchartered destinations to undertake infrastructural development which would support the
tourism industry and also the tourists who are visiting these destinations (Shahzad et al.,
2017). In addition to this, these unchartered destinations offer pleasant refreshment to the
visitors who had led the major part of their lives in the modern cities. Furthermore, this can
even propel the big firms to undertake investments in these locations so as to develop these

15TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
destinations which in turn would enable them to reap higher benefits from the same and also
contribute towards the economic development of the concerned nation as well (Ridderstaat,
Croes & Nijkamp, 2016). Moreover, the local people are also likely to find a means of
employment and this in turn is likely to help the nation in a significant manner. These in short
are some of the major benefits that the development of tourism at unchartered locations is
likely to offer to the emerging nation and why the majority of these nations like Nigeria,
Ethiopia and others are increasingly resorting to the development of the same.
2.7 Factors influencing the tourists to opt for Uncharted Destinations
There are various gratification factors which entice the tourists to opt for the relatively
unexplored unchartered tourist destinations. Firstly, the secluded as well as the relatively
explored environment of the unchartered destinations offers pleasant relief to the tourists
from the mundane as well as hectic lifestyle that they led in the cities (Nonthapot, 2016).
Secondly, the societies of these locations which are often untouched by the recent
developments in technology and knowledge and thereby completely different from the ones
that they experience in the popular tourist destinations is another factor which motivates the
tourists to visit these places (Jaafar & Rasoolimanesh, 2015). Thirdly, the unique cultural or
social events and also the different kinds of adventurous sports that the tourists can enjoy at
these unchartered destinations is something that the popular tourist destinations do not offer
to them and thereby act as another important factor which motivates them to visit these places
(Dogru & Bulut, 2018). Fourthly, the natural as well as picturesque beauty of the unchartered
destinations not only enables the tourists to relax in an effective manner but at the same
recuperative from their hectic lifestyle that they led (Rivera, Croes & Lee, 2016). Fifthly, the
food offered by these unchartered destinations are not only different from the normal food
items that the tourists had been used in the cities but in the majority of the cases are
completely natural or organic which in turn entices the tourists to opt for them (Bimonte &

16TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Punzo, 2016). Sixthly, the relatively lesser amount of capital that they had to spend to visit
these destinations and also the seclusion that they offer to the tourists also propels them to opt
for these destinations (De Vita et al., 2015).
2.8 Challenges for Increasing Tourist Footfalls in Uncharted Destination
The benefits as well as attractions offered by the unchartered tourist destinations
notwithstanding there are various challenges that the diverse nations face for increasing the
footfalls in the unchartered tourist destinations of their nation. Firstly, these unchartered
destinations are not being advertised by the different travel companies or tourist guides which
in turn greatly diminish the demand for these location and thereby act as a challenge for
increasing the footfalls in these destinations (Eyuboglu & Eyuboglu, 2019). Seghir et al.
(2015) are of the viewpoint that the number of tourists a particular destination is going to get
greatly depends on the advertisement made by the travel companies and also the national
governments of the concerned location. Secondly, the lack of infrastructural or the
technological developments of the nations to which these destinations belong is another affect
the number of tourist footfalls and thereby act as a challenge for the development of tourist in
these destinations (Singh, 2017). Thirdly, there is the gulf between expectation between
reality and this in turn is another major challenge which reduces the number of footfalls in the
various unchartered tourist destinations (Rivera, 2017). In this regard, it needs to be said that
although the demand for unchartered destinations had increased in a significant manner yet
the tourists who visit these location often expect the same kind of services or facilities that
they get in the popular destinations which in turn deter them from visiting the location again
or recommending it to others. Fourthly, there is an increasing concern on the part of the locals
that the oncoming of tourists would increase the housing prices and push up the inflation and
thus they discourage such activities on the part of the authorities (Samimi, Sadeghi &
Sadeghi, 2017). Moreover, the tourism activities cause a significant amount of damage to the

17TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
environment as well as the society of the destinations and this also acts as a challenge for
increasing the number of tourist footfalls. These in short are some of the major challenges
that the authorities face for increasing the number of footfalls in the unchartered tourist
destination.
2.9 Ways to Attract Tourists to Uncharted Destination
There are various ways through which the tourists can be attracted to the uncharted
destinations. Firstly, the use of effective promotion as well as advertisements on the part of
the travel companies and also the national governments of the concerned destinations is one
such option which can be used to spread awareness regarding the destination and thereby to
attract more tourists (Antonakakis, Dragouni & Filis, 2015). Secondly, improving the quality
of services which are being offered to the tourists is another way through which the tourists
can be attracted to the unchartered destinations. For example, the tourism authorities need to
make the local people aware of the benefits that the tourists and tourism itself is likely to
offer to their nation which in turn would influence them to offer better services to the tourists.
More importantly, undertaking the infrastructural development of the concerned destination
and also improving the transport, communication and other system is likely to enable the
authorities to attract more tourists (Roberts, Hall & Morag, 2017). The tourists can also be
attracted in an effective manner through the usage of different attractions like adventurous
sports, social or cultural events, local exotic cuisines and others. Lastly, for the effective
development of an unchartered tourist destination and also for attracting a larger number of
tourists the national government of the concerned destination needs to enter into collaboration
with the local people to ensure quality services are being offered to the tourists (Du, Lew &
Ng, 2016).

18TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
2.10 Summary
To sum up, in this chapter the researcher had analyzed the concept of unchartered
tourist destinations and its related aspects in the particular context of the past literature related
to the same. The primary purpose of the researcher in doing so was to facilitate the
understanding of the data which will collected from various secondary sources for the
completion of the research.

19TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Chapter 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher outlines the methodology which had been adopted for
the effective completion of the entire research. Bell, Bryman and Harley (2018) have stated
that research methodology can be defined as the detailed systematic approach will is being
taken by the researcher for answering the research questions or the objectives that had been
selected for research. In this regard, it needs to be mentioned that there are various essential
components of research methodology like research philosophy, research approach, research
design, investigation method and others that the researchers need to take into account for the
conduct of the entire research work (Krippendorff, 2018). For example, the researcher
articulates the research philosophy, approach, design, investigation method and others which
had been used for the completion of the concerned research work. In addition to this, the
researcher also states the data collection as well as data analysis which will be used for the
research work.
3.2 Research Philosophy
Brooks et al. (2015) are of the viewpoint that the concept of research philosophy can
be defined as the belief that outlines the manner in which the researcher had collected the
data needed for the completion of the research work and also for its analysis related to the
topic selected for the purpose of the research work. In this regard, it needs to be said that
three of the most important research philosophies which is being used by the researchers are
positivism, pragmatism and interpretivism (Bell, Bryman & Harley 2018). For example, the
positivism philosophy focuses on different kinds of facts, figures, numerical data, opinions,
observations and others and also does not take the help of assumptions (Fugard & Potts,
2015). The researchers for the usage of this philosophy are required to make hypotheses at

20TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
the beginning of the research and through the course of the research test the validity of the
same. On the other hand, the interpretivism philosophy is dependent on differentiating the
human behavior from the social factors (Nowell et al., 2017). In this particular philosophy,
research is conducted on the human characteristics through interviews and observations and
the analysis of data is dependent on the interpretation of the researcher. Thus, it can be said
that this philosophy is based on the concept of meanings and also on the link between the
researcher and the topic which is being analyzed. Lastly, the pragmatism philosophy
articulates the fact that the researcher needs to conduct the study from various point-of-views
since a single one cannot answer the research questions in an objective manner (Walliman,
2017). It is because of the fact that the pragmatism philosophy enables the researchers to look
at a particular topic from different perspectives that the researcher for the completion of this
research had selected the pragmatism philosophy. For example, the effective usage of this
research philosophy will help the researcher to analyze the concept of development of
tourism at the Olumo Rock of Nigeria through the usage of different tourism perspectives and
thereby answer the research questions or objectives in a much better manner. It is because of
these aspects that the researcher had opted for the pragmatism research philosophy.
3.3 Research Approach
As opined by Flick (2015), two of the most commonly used research approaches by
the researchers for the completion of their research works are inductive and deductive
approaches. In this regard, it needs to be said that for the deductive approach the researchers
are required to take the help of different kinds of theories, models and others related to the
topic and thereby undertake hypothesis testing, data analysis, implementation of theories and
thereby confirm the validity of those theories or hypothesis that had been selected (Cuervo‐
Cazurra et al., 2017). On the other hand, the inductive approach requires the researchers to
take the help of different kinds of data, analyze them through the usage of adequate tools to

21TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
derive the answers to the research questions that had been formulated (McCusker &
Gunaydin, 2015). For the completion of this research work, the researcher had opted for the
deductive approach. This can be explained on the basis of the fact that the different past
theories or models or concepts articulated in the past literature will be used by the researcher
to analyze the secondary data related to the topic and thereby answer the research questions.
This is important because of the fact that it will offer the opportunity to the researcher to
analyze the development of tourism at the unchartered tourism destination of Olumo Rock of
Nigeria through the perspective of different theories or models and thereby answer the
research questions or objectives in a much better manner.
3.4 Research Design
There are three types of research designs commonly used by the researchers, namely,
exploratory, explanatory and descriptive. For the use of the exploratory research design, the
researchers are required to highlight the background information of the problem statement or
the research questions that they have selected (Flick, 2015). On the other hand, the
explanatory design helps the researcher to find out the factors or the reasons which have
contributed towards the emergence of the problem that is being analyzed (Silverman, 2016).
Lastly, the descriptive design is directly requires the researchers to relate the objective that
they have formulated for the research with the findings obtained (Kumar, 2019). In this
regard, it needs to be said that the researcher had opted for the descriptive design since the
researcher will relate the objectives formulated at the beginning of the research with the
findings derived through the analysis of the secondary data. Furthermore, the effective usage
of this research design will help the researcher to link the findings of the research with the
literature review and also the concepts or theories or models propounded in past literature and
thereby analyze the topic under discussion here in a much better manner.

22TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
3.5 Data Collection Method
There are two kinds of data collection methods available to the researchers, namely,
primary data collection method and secondary data collection method (Taylor, Bogdan &
DeVault, 2015). In the primary data collection method, the researchers are required to
collected primary or numerical data through the usage of the tools of surveys and others for
the completion of the research (Krippendorff, 2018). On the other hand, in the secondary data
collection method, the researchers are required to collect secondary sources like newspaper
articles, peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, news releases and others for the completion of the
research work (Fugard & Potts, 2015). In this particular research, the researcher had opted for
the secondary data collection method and will thereby collect secondary sources related to the
topic like newspaper articles, peer-reviewed articles, textbooks, news releases and others.
This method had been selected by the researcher because of time and resource constraint.
3.6 Data Analysis
The researcher for the analysis of the secondary data which had collected for the
purpose of the research work will use the secondary data analysis method of thematic
analysis. The researcher will, therefore, formulate themes on the basis of the topic and also
the objectives that have been selected and thereby answer the research questions on the basis
of these themes or the codes that had been derived from the secondary sources of
information.
3.7 Ethical Considerations
The researcher had completed the research in compliance with the ethical standards of
academic writing and research work. For example, due respect had been given to the different
secondary sources and the plagiarism policy had been taken into effective consideration.

23TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
3.8 Research Limitations
The major limitations of constraints that the researcher faced for the completion of
this research work were time constraint and resource constraint. For example, the researcher
had depended solely on the secondary data whose validity cannot always be justified and also
they are very limited in scope. Furthermore, if the researcher had enough time then he would
have collected primary data as per the requirements of the research work itself. On the other
hand, the factor of time constraint had also limited the scope of the work in a substantial
manner.
3.9 Summary
The above analysis makes the methodology which would be used by the researcher for
the completion of the research work clear. For example, the researcher had opted for
secondary data collection method, thematic analysis, pragmatism philosophy and descriptive
research design while taking into effective consideration the ethical factors into consideration
for the completion of the entire research.

24TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Chapter 4: FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
4.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the researcher will undertake a critical analysis of the secondary
information which had been collected for the completion of the researcher work and thereby
analyze the importance of the development of tourism in the relatively unchartered tourist
destination of Olumo Rock in Nigeria. More importantly, the researcher had also tried to find
out the hurdles as well as the favorable factors which are likely to help in the development of
tourism in the concerned destination. Furthermore, the researcher had also linked the findings
of the secondary sources with the ones used in the literature review of the concerned research.
4.2 Critical Analysis
The process of critical analysis had been performed by the researcher through the
usage of the method of thematic or content analysis of the secondary information that had
been gathered for the completion of the concerned research. More importantly, the researcher
had tried to develop the themes on the basis of the importance of the development of tourism
destinations at relatively unchartered locations in the particular context of Olumo Rock,
Nigeria and the other objectives that had been selected for the purpose of the research. Lastly,
through the method of critical analysis the researcher had also tried to link the findings from
these secondary sources to the findings of the review of the past literature.
4.2.1 Tourism in Nigeria
Nigeria is an African nation and therefore does not have access to the kind of
infrastructure or tourism resources which the major player nations in the tourism industry
boast of (Uduji, Okolo-Obasi & Asongu, 2018). This is perhaps one of the major reasons for

25TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
the lack of development of the concerned industry in the nation under discussion here over
the years. As a matter of fact, among the top 185 nations of the world, the concerned nation
stands at the 171st position in terms of the size as well as the growth rate of its tourism
industry (Matthew et al., 2018). The below given figure shows the position of the Nigerian
tourism industry among the different nations of the world-
Figure 2: Position of Nigerian tourism industry in comparison to the different nations of
the world
Source: Salifou and Haq, (2017)
The Nigerian government, however, in the recent times releasing the benefits that the
tourism industry can yield to the concerned nation is taking the help of various measures for
the development of an effective tourism industry in the concerned nation (Yusuf, 2016).
Furthermore, it is seen that the rich cultural heritage of the concerned nation and also the
different cultural or social events of the concerned nation as well have greatly contributed
towards the development of the tourism industry in Nigeria (Oruonye, Ahmed & Ejati, 2016).
In addition to these, it is seen that the tourism authority is also trying to take the help of the
natural picturesque beauty of the land of the nation to attract a larger number of tourists to the
concerned nation. More importantly, it is seen that the nation is trying to develop tourist

26TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
destinations at several of its unchartered locations like the Olumo Rock, Abuja, Lagos,
Elegushi Beach and others along with the organization of regular events like Festac Food Fair
held in Festac, Lagos Black Heritage Carnival, Eyo Festival, Afrobeat musical festivals and
others (Olusola, 2016). These measures have enabled the concerned nation to attract a larger
number of tourists over the years than the ones that it had attracted in the earlier times and the
below given figure offers evidence for it-
Figure 3: Increase in tourist footfalls in Nigeria over the years
Source: Okonkwo and Odey, (2018)
Olagunju and Alaverdyan (2016) are of the viewpoint that the increase in the tourist
footfalls had significantly increased the annual revenue generated by the tourism industry of
Nigeria by virtue of the amount of capital that these tourists spend in the concerned nation
during their stay. This in turn had positively impact the GDP or the national economy of the
nation of Nigeria because of the economic contribution made by the concerned industry
towards the national economy of the concerned nation (Odum, 2018).

27TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Figure 4: Economic impact of the tourism industry in Nigeria
Source: Wttc.org, 2019
The above figure clearly indicates that the development of the tourism industry in
Nigeria had not only reinvigorated the national economy of the concerned nation by means of
both direct and indirect means. For example, in the literature review Pawaskar and Goel
(2016) clearly articulated the fact that the importance of the tourism industry not only lies in
the direct contribution that it makes towards the growth of a nation’s economy but also in the
indirect ways through which it supports the other industries like hospitality, entertainment,
transport and others. This becomes especially important from the perspective of the
developing nations like Nigeria and others which often because of limited technological,
infrastructural and other resources fail to make the desired progress (Oguamanam &
Nwankwo, 2015). This is perhaps one of the major reasons for the unprecedented growth of
the national economy of the nation of Nigeria in comparison to the other African nations in
the recent times-

28TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Figure 5: Growth rate of Nigerian national economy in comparison to the other African
nations
Source: Uduji, Okolo-Obasi and Asongu, (2018)
It is pertinent to note that although the national economy of Nigeria and also its
tourism industry had showed signs of growth or development yet in comparison to the other
nations it significantly lacks behind (Oghojafor & Ogunkoya, 2016). Thus, it can be said that
there is a need for further development of the concerned industry which in turn would not
only enhance the economic growth of the nation but would also bring foreign direct
investments (FDI) into the nation under discussion as well. More importantly, the nation is
also likely to gain in a significant manner through the development of tourist destinations at
the relatively unchartered tourist destinations like Olumo Rock and others (Odia &
Agbonifoh, 2017). Bilen, Yilanci and Eryüzlü (2017) had stated that one of the most
important emerging trends seen within the tourism industry is the fact that the tourists are
increasingly opting for the various unchartered tourist destinations because of the factors of

29TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
over-tourism and others. Thus, it is likely that the concerned nation by developing tourism at
the Olumo Rock would be able to gain in a significant manner not only in terms of direct
economic growth but at the same time in terms of indirect contribution as well.
4.2.2 Importance of tourism development in the unchartered destination of Olumo Rock
in Nigeria
Lawal et al. (2018) have articulated the viewpoint that a common factor seen among
the different developed or the first world nations or for that matter among the economically
thriving nations is the fact that they have a well-developed tourism industry which greatly
supports their economy. More importantly, as opined by Endong (2019), the influx of the
tourists from the different parts of the world not only contributes in a significant manner
towards the society and the environment of these nations but at the same time entails foreign
direct investments as well. This is important from the perspective of the growth of the
business and commerce of these nations and also the infrastructural and other growths of
these nations as well which greatly supports the tourism industry (Ibeh, Ikegwu & Amaechi,
2016). These become especially important from the perspective of the developing nation of
Nigeria which despite have abundant natural resources and other kinds of resources had not
only failed to attract sufficient amount of foreign direct investments in the recent times but at
the same time is struggling with its economy (Dillimono & Dickinson, 2015). Thus, it is
likely that the development of tourism at the unchartered destinations of the concerned nation
like Olumo Rock and others would help in the economic revival of the nation in a significant
manner.
There are various advantages of developing tourism at the unchartered destination of
Olumo Rock in Nigeria which are not just related to the tourism industry but extend to others
as well. Firstly, the development of the tourism industry at the concerned location would
attract large number of tourists to the concerned nation who would not only contribute

30TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
towards the economic, social but also the environmental development of the concerned nation
as well (Bassey, 2015). For example, the community members adjacent to the concerned
location would not only find employment opportunities but at the same time would also be
able to learn significantly from the diverse cultural backgrounds of the tourists who would be
coming to the concerned destination as well (Banki & Ismail, 2015). This is not only likely to
educate the people of the region adjacent to the concerned location but would at the same
time help to make the concerned nation a multicultural one as well. More importantly, as the
evidence from the other nations of the world show the development of the tourism industry
often entails with it different kinds of foreign direct investments which in turn not only help
in the growth as well as development of trade and commerce in the concerned nation but also
infrastructural development as well (Bakare, 2016). These become especially important when
the national economy and also the present condition of the nation of Nigeria are taken into
effective consideration.
The development of the tourism industry at the Olumo Rock of Nigeria would also be
in synchronicity with the emerging trends which is presently seen within the framework of
the tourism industry. For example, Du, Lew and Ng (2016) have suggested that because of
the problems of over-tourism, the need of the tourists to get away from the hectic and routine
life that they lead in the cities and others, the tourists are increasingly opting for the
unchartered destinations. In this regard, the Olumo Rock destination of Nigeria which boasts
of natural beauty and far away from the sophistications of the modern life is likely to
especially appeal to the taste of the modern tourists. More importantly, the cultural or social
events, food festivals and other attractions which the tourism authority of the concerned
nation had started at the destination is also likely to influence the tourists to opt for the
concerned destination (Amalu et al., 2018). Thus, it is likely that the development of the
tourism at the Olumo Rock would not only be in synchronicity with the present demands of

31TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
the tourism industry but would also help in the growth or the development of the concerned
nation in a significant manner as well.
4.2.3 Hurdles for the development of tourism at Olumo Rock in Nigeria
The tourism authority of Nigeria is likely to face various hurdles or challenges for the
development of tourism at the unchartered destination of Olumo Rock in Nigeria. Amalu,
Ojugbo and Oqua (2018) are of the viewpoint that one of the most important hurdle or
challenge that the tourism authority of Nigeria is likely to face for the development of
tourism at the unchartered destination of Olumo Rock is on the score of under-developed
nature of the concerned nation, Nigeria. For example, it is seen that the tourists generally like
to opt for the tourist destinations which have adequate infrastructure, transport system,
hospitality services and others which in turn would ensure that the tourists are being able to
spend a quality time during their vacation or holiday (Amalu et al., 2017). However, when
the nation of Nigeria is being analyzed on the basis of these factors it is seen that the nation is
lacking behind in these attributes. More importantly, as De Vita and Kyaw (2017) have
suggested that the prospects of any tourism destination depends greatly on the kind of
advertisements related to the concerned destination which are formulated by the national
government of the nation to which the destination belongs and also the different tourism
companies or agencies. However, in the particular context of the Olumo Rock it is seen that
no such initiatives are being taken by the national government of Nigeria or for that matter by
the tourism companies or agencies (Amalu & Ajake, 2018). In addition to these, the lack of
connectivity of Nigeria with the other nations of the world and also the inadequate facilities
which the concerned nation offers to the tourists is another hurdle or challenge that the
concerned nation is likely to find for the development of the tourism industry at the Olumo
Rock (Amadi & Igwe, 2016). It is true that the tourism authority of Nigeria in the recent
times is taking the help of different kinds of social or cultural events, Afro-beat musical

32TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
events, food festivals and others to attract the international tourists yet at the same time it is
seen that they have been successful in increasing the tourist footfalls in a relatively smaller
manner (Ajake, 2016).
Ajani and Kalu (2017) have raised concerns regarding the negative environmental
impacts that the development of the tourism industry at the Olumo Rock in Nigeria is likely
to pose to the environment of the concerned location and also the nation itself. Recent
researches have clearly suggested that the regions or the locations in which tourism is being
conducted in an extensive manner the pollution rate or the environmental damage increases in
an exponential manner (Abubakar et al., 2018). This becomes especially important from the
perspective of the Olumo Rock and also the nation of Nigeria itself which are rich in natural
resources and greatly contribute towards maintaining the status quo of the environment.
Another significant challenge or the hurdle that the tourism authority of Nigeria is likely to
face for the development of tourism at the Olumo Rock is on the score of the resistance from
the local people of the surrounding communities itself (Adewale, 2016). For example, it is
seen that the tribal people who live around the Olumo Rock like to live their lives on the basis
of their ancient traditions and generally do like the intervention of the other people (Adeola &
Ezenwafor, 2016). Thus, it is likely that the development of tourism at the concerned
destination would bring in tourists from the diverse parts of the world who are likely to pose
a threat to the natural way of life of these native people. In addition to these, the development
of tourism at the concerned destination would also increase the prices of property and others
around the destination which once again would not be appreciated by the tourists (Adedokun,
2017). These in short are some of the major hurdles or challenges that the tourist authority of
Nigeria is likely to face for the development of tourism at the Olumo Rock.

33TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
4.2.4 Favorable factors for the development of tourism at Olumo Rock in Nigeria
There are various favorable factors for the development of tourism at Olumo Rock in
Nigeria which will greatly facilitate the same. Firstly, the increasing propensity shown by the
tourists towards the unchartered tourist destinations itself is one of the most important
favorable factors for the development of tourism at the Olumo Rock of Nigeria (Matthew et
al., 2018). More importantly, it is seen that the tourists during their vacations or holidays
rather than indulging in tours of the famous locations of the world are increasingly opting for
the leisure and natural picturesque beauty of the unchartered tourist destinations. In addition
to this, the present day tourists like to indulge in various kinds of adventurous sports activities
and also like to enjoy the local social or cultural events of the unchartered tourist destinations
(Endong, 2019). It is precisely here that the unchartered tourism destination of Olumo Rock
gains prominence since the mountainous region of the destination greatly encourages as well
as supports different kinds of adventurous sports activities like mountain trekking, mountain
hiking, gliding and other similar activities (Fugard & Potts, 2015). More importantly, the
national government of Nigeria is organizing different kinds of food festivals, Afro-beat
musical festivals and other events which are likely to prove great attractions for the tourists
(Rivera, Croes and Lee, 2016). In addition to these, the isolated location of Olumo Rock,
which is cut-off from the modern technological developments and others, will greatly support
the need of the tourists to spend some leisure time far away from the hectic life that they led
in the modern cities.
The tourists end up spending a relatively higher amount of capital and also had to
undergo various kinds of complex paper-works if they opt to visit the different world-
renowned tourist destinations. However, in the particular context of the unchartered
destinations like Olumo Rock and others it is seen that the amount of capital that the tourists
need to spend for their vacations is relatively lower and also the paper-works involved in the

34TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
process is very nominal (Olusola, 2016). More importantly, the exotic African food and its
unique tribal culture are two important factors which are likely to appeal in a significant
manner to the city-dwellers. These in short are some of the major favorable factors which are
likely to facilitate the development of tourism in the Olumo Rock of Nigeria.
4.3 Summary
To sum up, the development of tourism at the Olumo Rock of Nigeria is likely to
greatly support the national economy of the concerned nation and also bring foreign direct
investments which in turn would further bring about the economic development of the nation.
More importantly, as the analysis of the secondary information in conjunction with the
review of past literature reveals that the emerging trends and other factors greatly support the
development of the tourism industry at the Olumo Rock although the authorities are likely to
face some hurdles or challenges for the same. However, the positive effects greatly outweigh
the negative effects of the same.

35TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Chapter 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The researcher in the initial chapters of the research had established that the tourism
industry in the recent times had emerged as one of the most important industries of the world
and as a matter of fact forms the backbone of the national economy of the different nations of
the world. More importantly, it is seen that apart from the direct economic contribution that
the tourism industry makes towards the national economy there are also various other
industries like hospitality, entertainment, transport and others which are greatly dependent on
the tourism industry. In addition to these, a common factor seen among the different
economically thriving nations is the fact that they have a strong tourism industry along with
various popular tourist destinations which enable them to attract tourists from all parts of the
world. However, in the recent times an important trend which is being seen within the
framework of the tourism industry is the fact that because of the problems of over-tourism
and others, the tourists are increasingly opting for the unchartered tourist destinations to
spend their vacations or holidays. The Olumo Rock of Nigeria is an important unchartered in
this regard which if developed in an effective manner can greatly support the development or
growth of the concerned nation.
Nigeria is a developing African nation and despite having adequate amount of natural
resources is struggling to make significant economic growth or development. In this regards,
it needs to be said that one of the major factors which greatly hinder the economic growth of
the concerned nation is the absence of a well-developed tourism industry. The nation does
have various unchartered destinations which could be used for the purpose of tourism which
in turn would greatly support the economic development of the concerned nation while
attracting substantial amount of foreign direct investments. In addition to these, the social
More importantly, it is seen that the recent trends seen within the tourism industry and also

36TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
the different initiatives undertaken by the national government of the concerned nation like
the organization of different kinds of social or cultural events in turn is likely to enable the
nation to attract international tourists to its numerous unchartered destinations like Olumo
Rock and others. Furthermore, the opportunity to indulge in adventurous sports activities,
local exotic cuisines and others that the Olumo Rock region offers to the tourists are another
gratification factors which are likely to encourage the international tourists to the concerned
location. In addition to these, the contributions that the development of tourism at Olumo
Rock is likely to make towards the society and the environment of the region can in way be
relegated to the background. However, there are various hurdles that the authorities are likely
to face for the development of tourism at the concerned location like the environmental
issues, the under-developed state of the nation, resistance from people and others which are
likely to adversely affect the same process. In the light of these challenges or hurdles, there
are various measures or recommendations that the governmental authorities can follow for
increasing international tourist footfalls in Olumo Rock.
One of the most important measures that the tourism authority of Nigeria can take the
help of for the development of tourism at Olumo Rock is to take of help of effective
advertisements which will clear promote the positive aspects of the location under discussion
here and also the benefits that the tourists are likely to derive by opting for it. More
importantly, these advertisements should also focus on the rich cultural heritage of the
concerned location and also the different kinds of adventurous and other activities that the
tourists would be able to undertake at the concerned destination. In addition to this, the
authorities can also enter into collaboration with different tourism firms or agencies which
will in turn promote the destination on behalf of the nation. Furthermore, the nation can also
take the help of different kinds of cultural or social events which will focus on the cultural or
the social heritage of the concerned nation so as to attract the tourists to the concerned

37TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
location. Apart from these, the development of local infrastructure, transport facilities, hotels,
motels and others at the concerned location would also help in the development of the
concerned location as a tourist attraction in a significant manner.

38TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
Chapter 6: PERSONAL SELF-REFLECTION
At the beginning of the course I had a very limited amount of knowledge regarding
research writing and also the important factors which affected the tourism industry or for that
matter regarding the tourism industry. However, as the course progressed and the knowledge
which I gained regarding the tourism industry, research projects and others had enabled me in
a significant manner to complete this research work. In this regard, I would like to say that at
the beginning I was not sure about the manner in which I would this research project.
However, the constant support which I got from my professors and also the personal research
works which I conducted over the internet regarding the process of conducting research
works had greatly helped me towards the completion of this work.
The entire coursework and also this research project had been of great help for me
since it greatly enhanced my knowledge base and also skill set. In this regard, I would like to
say that this research project offered my insightful information regarding the tourism industry
and also the importance of unchartered tourism destinations. In addition to this, during the
completion of this research work I was able to enhance my research skills and also learn a
great deal about the manner in which research projects are being conducted and also written.
Furthermore, I also got acclimatized with the secondary data analysis or more precisely the
method of thematic analysis since this was the method which I selected for the completion of
this research project. Thus, during the course of the completion of this research project I was
able to research a large number of peer-reviewed articles, journals, websites and others
related to the topic that I selected for the effective completion of the concerned research
work. Needless to say, that these were really helpful to me and I personally believe that they
are likely to help me in the latter part of career when I start to work in the professional
business world.

39TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
The research project under discussion here also offered me to opportunity to
understand the manner in which research questions or objectives are being formulated and
also the manner in which on the basis of these entire research works are being conducted. I
would like to say that prior of this research project, I had been used to writing only essays
and reports and also presentations however this project gave me the opportunity to further
widen my research skills and also academic writing abilities. I personally believe that this is
something which is likely to help me in the latter part of my professional career as well since
analytical research works are also required in the professional business world. Thus, it is
likely that the skills that I have learned during the completion of this research would come in
handy during my professional career as well. In addition to this, I would also like to use the
knowledge or the information that I have gained during the entire course and also the
research work for the effective completion of the job roles which I will be assigned during
my professional business career.

40TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN REMARKABLY UNCHARTERED LOCATIONS
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