PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SACRED SITES OF ABIA STATE BY HOST COMMUNITIES PERCEPTIONS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN THE SACRED SITES OF ABIA STATE BY HOST COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This study determined the perceptions of the host communities toward tourism development at the sacred sites of Abia North Senatorial Zone of Abia State, Nigeria. The area was surveyed for existing sacred sites. The total of 104 community leaders and stake-holders were purposively selected as respondents for this study. A researcher – made Tourism Tolerance Questionnaire (TTQ) was used to elicit responses from the respondents. Unequal numbers were used depending on the number of community leaders and priesthood members that existed at each site. Data collection was done, using a structured four-point rated scale in which respondents were required to, in each item, choose the option that best suited their perceptions. The means obtained against each questionnaire item were used to make decisions such that items that yielded mean points of 2.5 and above were taken to be significant. Items that yielded mean points below 2.5 were taken to be insignificant. Seven important sites were identified and explored for the fears and expectations of the local people toward tourism development at their sacred sites. While the expectations and fears of the host communities showed slight disparities at the various sites, consistency was found in obliteration of their sacred sites, loss of control of their heritage and acceptance of tourism development in all the sites studied.  With these findings, prospective investors from the public and private sectors can now know the fears and expectations of the locals as to ensure rapport and successful, sustainable tourism projects in the host communities of the sites studied.