Assessment of Tourists’ Preference for Recreational Facilities in Old Oyo and Okomu National Parks

• T.B Ajulo

  Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State

  Author

• I.O.O Osunsina

  Department of Forestry and Wildlife management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

  Author

• O.A Jaiyeola

  Department of Forestry and Wildlife management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

  Author

• A.E Obayelu

  Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

  Author

• D.A Aruwajoye

  Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State

  Author

Inadequate recreational facilities in a conservation area usually push tourists towards other regions, limiting individuals' options for recreation. This study assessed tourist preference for recreational centers in Okomu and Old Oyo National Parks. The study involved the administration of structured questionnaires to visitors at Old Oyo National Park (OONP) (150) and Okomu National Park (ONP) (137). Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that most of the tourist were predominantly male in ONP (56.2%) while OONP had more females (64.7%). Most of the tourists were within age 21-30 years; OONP (54.0%), and ONP (43.7%) and were mostly single; ONP (43.8%) and OONP (37.3%). Tourist were predominantly students OONP (46.7%), ONP (39.4%) and mostly undergraduate OONP (56.7%), ONP (45.3%). Tourists at OONP preferred the swimming pool (3.98±0.50), while at ONP, the walking trail and children's playground were preferred (3.91±0.58). The study concluded that preference for recreational facilities differ significantly across the national parks studied, while current facilities can usually accommodate visitor numbers, many are outdated and require major repairs and upgrades to improve the visitor experience. The study recommends the renovation of existing facilities and attractions and the introduction of new recreational facilities in conservation areas.

1. T.B Ajulo, Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State

   Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State

2. I.O.O Osunsina, Department of Forestry and Wildlife management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

   Department of Forestry and Wildlife management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

3. O.A Jaiyeola, Department of Forestry and Wildlife management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

   Department of Forestry and Wildlife management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

4. A.E Obayelu, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

   Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

5. D.A Aruwajoye, Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State

   Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology, Federal College of Agriculture Akure, Ondo State

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