EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF TREND NICHE TOURISM ON DESTINATION DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET COMPETENCIES /
EVIDENCE OF SOUTH WEST NIGERIA
LOUIS CHINEDU UZOR; SUPERVISOR: DR. MARJAN KAMYABI
- ix, 64 sheets; 31 cm. 1 CD-ROM
Thesis (MSc) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Tourism and Hotel Management Department
Includes bibliography (sheets 56-62)
ABSTRACT Tourism development in Southwest Nigeria has witnessed a surge in interest, with a particular focus on trend niche tourism, destination development and market competencies. This study delves into the complex interplay between these factors, aiming to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their relationships. The methodology involved a quantitative approach, leveraging a well-structured five-point Likert Type Rating Scale questionnaire to collect data from 406 respondents encompassing tourists within the region. The demographic data gathered were analysed with the use of a descriptive statistics like frequency counts and percentages, and the hypotheses of the study were tested using inferential statistics like SPSS and SmartPLS4. The findings reveal intriguing insights into the connections among these variables. The outcome suggests that trend niche tourism plays a pivotal role in the influence on destination development. Moreover, the study highlights participants' strong agreement that market competencies act as a bridge between niche tourism trends and destination development outcomes. Respondents also recognized the positive influence of market competencies on demand for trend niche tourism and destination growth. These outcomes underscore the importance of effective marketing strategies and collaborative efforts in enhancing the region's tourism industry. Keywords: Destination Development, Market Competences, Trend Niche.