TRANSPORTATION ROLE IN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Travel and Tourism are normally used interchangeably in normal conversations though the two do not mean one thing. Even though the transport industry gives the link that is amid dwelling and destination regions of tourists, but the industry's role as an agent responsible for making tourists reach these destinations has been considered as tourism. Tourism world over cannot exist in isolation from transport and therefore it can be stated in other terms that there is a strong positive correlation between tourism and transport The improvement or modernization of transport or deterioration of the same has a direct impact tourism. The history of tourism and that of transport provides a clear understanding of this shared relationship. Transportation can be discussed without taking tourism into consideration but clearly tourism cannot thrive without travel. Transportation is an essential part of tourism industry and is principally due to the improvements of transportation that tourism has expanded.

      Historically, the key technical transformations brought about by the industrial revolution towards the end of the 18th century, no forms of motorized transportation existed by then. Transport technology was mainly limited to harnessing of beasts of burden for land transport and to wind for maritime transport. The transported output volumes were very limited and similarly the speed at which people and freight were moving. The average over the land speed by horse was between 8 to 15 kilometers per hour and maritime speeds were scarcely above these figures. Under those conditions, it was still early to start talking of tourism, but rather of a beginning of state of mobility of people. The beginning of the act of going places purely to experience the surrounding can be explained by the gradual transport improvement of transport technology. It was during the industrial revolution those massive modifications of transport systems and consequently that of exploration of new lands that finally gave rise to the spirit of tourism.

Transportation role in tourism development

   Transportation links diverse destinations and ferries people commodities and services between these places. Tourism is much about travel and therefore the role of transportation in its operation is vital. The advent of air travel has shrunk the world and the motor vehicle have made traveling anywhere a possibility this reality together with changing work patterns and innovative marketing have propelled international mass tourism throughout the years. Culpan(1987) identified transportation mode and management as: “important ingredient of international tourism system,” acknowledging that connection by air, sea and land is essential for the operations as well as the availability of support services like fuel stations , auto repair, motels and rest facilities for land travel. Advances in transportation have widely eased travel. Without fear of contradiction it can be sufficiently stated that widespread growth of nature tours can be attributed to the ease and availability of modern transport. Transportation in tourism is just seen as a part of tourism system for bringing tourists to their destinations and leaving those destinations once the duration is over. Page and Lumsdon (2004) agrees that transportation system of a tourist destination has an impact on the tourism experience which explains how people travel, their choice on forms of holiday, destination and transport mode. The improvement of modes of transportation coupled with low fares has seen accessibility of areas once seen as off-the-beaten-path rise. Access to a specific tourism site differs according to the nature of the site, state of infrastructure, and the efficiency of public transport system. Transport policies and government decisions can make a ruling on the destinations available to tourists. Failure of public sector to cope with demand concerning transport infrastructures may mean lack of tourism development in such areas. Tourism can use different transport modes. Car travel is the most widely used and the most dominant in the world tourism notably due to its flexibility, price and independence with the availability of cars at even cheaper prices means an increase in availability of this mode of transport and hence the growth of tourist volume. Rail travel is another transport mode used by tourists. With the introduction of high speed electric trains as compared to the old locomotive steam engines transport is made faster more reliable and comfortable and this contributes positively to the tourism sector. Air transport is the most effective in terms of speed but due to the high cost only a small proportion of people worldwide use it. Long journeys can be made in a minimal time and with this a tourist can afford to visit different places in a limited time if the cost factor is ignored.

     Conclusively, Traveling has and will always be an important aspect of any given society. The explorers travel to experience new fronts in term of geographical regions, to look for new markets and also to exploit resources. Tourism as monetary activity is characterized by high levels of flexibility. Since transport costs are significant factors affecting international transportation, demand is strongly affected by the fluctuations of costs. Therefore we can say that transport is the chief element in the tourism industry. The improved transport facilities have stimulated tourism and in turn the expansion of tourism industry has stimulated transport. Accessibility is the principal function behind the fundamentals of tourism industry. Air transport plays a dominant role in the inter-regional transport movement of tourists that entails movement over long distances. Growth rates of global air traffic are attached with those of international tourism. Tourism being dependent on travel services means that travel flows should be designed in a way to accommodate tourism. However this should be given priority considering that tourism is increasingly becoming a leading income generating activity for the government in many countries today. Whole communities within African and European regions are depending directly or indirectly on tourism activities like the drivers, hoteliers, sculptors among others, thus their lives are linked to tourism development. The government of any given country for instance should begin by decongesting the tourism traffic flow pathways like paving roads, traffic decongestion on roads, quick issuance of travel documents and quick clearance at the airport. Furthermore competitions among developing countries for tourism will be an integral of the improvement in transport sector. A country with a good transport infrastructure will compete favorably with others and vice versa.

Reference
Culpan. R. (1987).International Tourism Model for Developing Economies, Annals of Toursm Research, vol.14, 541.
Page,S. and L.Lumsdon (eds.) (2004) Tourism and Transport: Issues and Agenda for the New Millennium, Elsevier, Boston.
Duval. D.T.,  (2007). Tourism and Transport: Mode Network and Flows. Channel View.

IMPACT OF MASS TOURISM ON THE HOST DESTINATIONS

Travel is one of the most ancient and common aspects of human life; its origins come from mythical times. There are various reasons for travelling such as recreation, business, sport, education, health, or visiting friends, so the "typical tourist" does not exist. Every action resulting from the stay of persons at a place where they do not normally live or work is entitled “tourism”.

Historically, Mass tourism appears after the World War II, it was initiated in the back streets of the industrial towns and cities in the north of England.The development of mass tourism in the western world was linked to the economic development of society and as a matter of fact to the incorporation of a more powerful middle and lower class inside the tourist market. This expansion has been based on external factors such as generalization of paid holidays, rising standards of living and a rapid improvement in the means of transportation such as the increase in air travel. The growth of such tourism represents a democratization of travel and this democratization means that status distinctions will be drawn between the different classes of traveler, but less between those that can travel or not. Some places, (the working class resorts) have been viewed as embodiments and symbols of mass tourism, “where the dominant groups help to be tasteless, common and vulgar”. The beginning of domestic and incoming tourism: for the public autonomies were more interesting, the income of foreign currencies was very important and that's why they began to pay more attention to promote incoming tourism. Because of the crisis incoming tourism couldn't be developed as wished so domestic tourism became a good substitute. The rapid growth in the number of travelers means the origin of masses.

 In the 50s, tourism is considered as a phenomenon to follow. Economists analyzed the phenomenon and accepted the existence of a tourist market, with a supply of goods and services and an unknown tourist demand. The study of this demand from the point of view of consumerism, motivations and economic conditions originate mass tourism. "Mass tourism can be seen as a form of Fordist mass consumption, which implies certain conditions in its production and its consumption". The feature of mass tourism was as a result of purchase of commodities produced under conditions of mass production; individual producers tending to dominate particular industrial markets; producer rather than consumer as dominant; commodities little differentiated from each other by fashion, season, and specific markets segments; relatively market choice”. And Fordist mass consumption as “new forms of permitting consumer expenditure to rise; greater volatility of consumer preferences; the growth of a consumers movement and the ‘politicizing’ of consumption; reaction of consumers against being as part of a ‘mass’ and the need of producers to be much more consumer driven, specially in the case of service industries”. When the economists began to analyze the phenomenon of tourism, they realized that the big tourist demand was taking place during a few months and only in some specific places. The rest of the year, these crowded places were almost empty or closed. It means that the phenomenon of seasonalityappeared from the beginning of the history of mass tourism as a problem to solve and remains a problem nowadays.

In1960's the evolution of mass tourism, was when the industry effectively became internationalized. Spain was the country which more than any other symbolized this new phase of tourism. The most characteristic product was the Mediterranean that offered sun and beach holidays. The emergence of the international tour companies (ITCs) as an instrument in shaping new economic and cultural relationships between particular regions and markets in northern Europe aided the growth of mass foreign tourism in Spain.  And also the massive sale of inclusive tours (IT) often with a “charter”transport. Travel agencies start to organize travels with own or rental planes for their groups to specific tourist destinations. The excitement to build was the consequence of the tourist invasions during the 60s in Spain. It started in the Mediterranean coast and was extended to the Canary Islands.It was the decade of the transformation in the Spanish littoral, Costa del Sol, Palma de Majorca, Levant, Costa Brava and Canary Islands as the most relevant examples. The arrival of tourism was a revolution with consequences that will be analyzed in the next points as for example the land speculation. The tourist technique was an unknown subject for the authorities and may be for that reason their response was not the most adequate. The crisis of 1973 brought about the increase in the number of travelers which continued until 1973, with a reduction between 1973 and 1976, reflecting the economic crisis in a sector, which was particularly sensitive to rising prices. After 1983there was a further increase in arrivals, which has made Spain the second ranked country in world tourism, accounting for 8.8 per cent of all tourists and 10.5 per cent of all foreign exchange earnings. Another significant indicator of the position occupied by Spain in world tourists flows is the fact that it is included in the brochures of approximately 50 per cent of foreign tour operators. Between 1989 and 1992there was a fall in visitor numbers, related to a loss of quality and the strong competitiveness of other Mediterranean destinations, such as Yugoslavia, Tunisia and Greece. By the mid 1990s Spanish tourism regained its world position and accounted for 8.2 per cent of tourist arrivals and 6.7 per cent in terms of foreign exchange earnings of world total.

The rapid growth of tourism has increased economic, environmental and social effects. Recently the attention has concentrated on the economic impacts and not on the environmental and social consequences of tourism. Tourism research has been reoriented after the acknowledgment of the size of the impacts of modern tourism. Moreover, the costs and negative impacts have been examined in a critical way. Tourism, both international and domestic, brings consequences and has an impact on tourist destinations. To discuss the positive and negative impacts of tourism it is necessary to include the visitor’s experience and to pay attention to the relationship between visitor and resources. The impact made by tourism depends upon the volume and characteristics of the tourists (length of stay, activity, mode of transport, travel arrangement, etc.). A selection of variables must also be taken into account in the determination of any impact of tourismas well as their interrelationships and the ways in which they influence the nature, direction and magnitude of tourist impacts. The assessment of impacts should include all phases of the travel experience, including initial preparations, the journeys to and from the destination, the stay, etc.

Economic Impact of Mass Tourism

There is no doubt that tourism has a most important effect on the economies of destinations areas. It is for this reason that development of tourist facilities and recreational opportunities has normally been viewed as a positive contribution to the national balance of payments. Moreover, tourism seems to be more effective than other industries in generating employment and income.  International tourism is an invisible export and creates a flow of foreign currency that contributes directly in the balance of payments. This flow has an influence into the economy of a destination country. As other export industries, this inflow creates business turnover, household income, employment and government profits. Domestic tourism has also an economic effect upon the host regions of a country. Whereas, international tourism brings a flow of foreign currency into a country, domestic tourism redistributes domestic currency inside the boundaries of a country. From the point of view of a tourist region, domestic tourism is a form of invisible export as well.

      In addition, One of the main effects of mass tourism is the over dependence of tourist destinations on tourism. This is dangerous because tourism is volatile and highly susceptible to changes from inside (e.g. price, changing fashions…) and outside (e.g. global economic trends, political situations…) the industry.  Some destinations have made themselves vulnerable to changes in tourist demand because they have become over dependent on tourism, they have adapted all their resources to tourism without realizing that some factors such as the political situation of a country, the economy, a war or the terrorism are the most important points at the time of choosing a holiday destination. There is no doubt that when there is an unstable situation in a certain country, its tourism decrease. People do not go on holiday to a country where there are warlike conflicts or even in countries with a political situation of instability. Tourism then naturally decreases.

Physical impacts

The growth of tourism changes and modifies the environment. Environment is land, water, air, flora and fauna, but also people and culture and the impacts of tourism are reflected on elements of the natural environment as well as on the man-made environment or built environment (development of environments for tourism as for example holiday resorts). The development of tourism requires the existence of an infrastructure, as well as hotel accommodation and another facilities specific to tourism. In some areas highways and airfields have been constructed to make stimulate tourism but not always has the local population benefited from these developments.  Infrastructure and facilities require land and the consequence is that land prices rise in the areas were tourism is developing.

Social and cultural impacts

The social and cultural impacts of tourism are the effects of the contribution of tourism that changes systems, social behavior, family relationships, shared lifestyles, security levels, moral conduct, innovative language, conventional ceremonies and community organizations.  The socio-cultural impacts are ‘people impacts’; they are about the effects on people of host communities of their direct and indirect associations with tourists. To explore the social and cultural impacts of mass tourism it is necessary to have different perspectives.

• Ø From the tourist, in relation to the demand for tourist services and motivations, as well as feelings, opinions and expectations of tourists.
• Ø From the host, analyzing the aspects of the offering of tourist services, that concerns the inhabitants of the destinations areas and the local organization of the tourist industry.
• Ø From the relationship between tourist and host, concerning the nature of the contacts between hosts and guests and with the consequences of these contacts.

Compared to the economic effects, the socio-cultural impacts of tourism are usually presented in the literature in a negative way. According to some research, the impact of mass tourism on host communities is not always so adverse and gives the chance to promote the understanding between people of different nationalities and culturesmake available the possibility of having a successful intercultural interaction. The intercultural contact counts with a mix of different characteristics of the interacting groups, and the bigger is the divergence of characteristics the more evident are the social impacts. Tourist-host relationships are determined by the characteristics of the interacting groups or individuals and the conditions under which contact take place. This contact happen in three different contexts: where the tourist is purchasing some good or service from the host, where the tourist and the host find themselves side by side, for example on a sandy beach or at a night club performance, and where two parties come face to face with the object of exchanging information and ideas. Then, tourism is a mechanism for increasing international understanding. In the case of mass tourists, direct contact is not necessary for impacts and only the sight of tourists and their behaviour may induce behavioural changes on permanent residents. In mass tourism destinations, the tourist is itinerant, relaxed, free-spending, enjoying his leisure and absorbing the experience of being in a different place. In contrast, the host is stationary and if is employed in the tourist industry, spends a great part of the time catering to the needs and desires of visitors. Social impacts of tourism refer to the changes in the quality of life of residents of tourist destinations. The nature and dynamics of the tourist-host relationship has three dimensions: people’s interactions, perceptions and attitudes. Host attitudes may rapidly become antagonistic and even reach xenophobic proportions when there is a non-stop development of facilities and services to satisfy tourist demands. “Xenophobia occurs when the carrying capacity, or saturation point, is reached and exceeded” referring to tourists behaviour. The tolerance of tourists by hosts varies spatially and temporally. As long as the economic impacts remain positive, the presence of tourists is usually accepted and welcomed. But once the host population consider that the limit is exceeded, some negative symptoms of discontent appears going from apathy and irritation to extreme xenophobia, and from bad-tempered courtesy to open exploitation. There are numerous situations that provoke feelings of tourist resentments and they arise from different conditions.

• Ø The physical presence of tourist in the destination area, especially if they are in large groups. Residents usually resent the fact of sharing facilities and services with visitors and often mention congestion as problem. It is evident that the concentration of large numbers of tourists causes congestion of facilities and services. Dispersing tourists can reduce tourist densities so that the ratio of tourists to hosts is reduced without decreasing the number of tourist arrivals.
• Ø The demonstration effect. Residents frequently resent the visible economic superiority of visitors and try to copy their behaviour. The introduction of foreign ideologies and ways of life into societies exposed to tourism indicates a foreign domination of the industry and an adaptation of work. Furthermore, the hosts perceive quickly the desire of tourists to spend money and their weaknesses are exploited. Hosts may develop an inferiority complex that start out a process of imitation. Most case studies that examine demonstration effect agree that tourism can modify local behaviour and divide the population of destinations areas.
• Ø Foreign ownership and employment. The employment of non-locals in executive and professional occupations, carrying greater responsibility and superior salaries to those available to local residents, also provokes resentment.

Conclusively, Mass tourism is without doubt the most important form of tourism and imposes the gravest consequences on the natural and cultural situation of a tourist destination. It is characterized by important investments, headed by a few producers of specific markets. For a tourist destination, the promotion and the image are fundamental and must be carefully constructed in order to get benefits. As already mentioned, tourism is a form of conspicuous consumption and tourists exhibit their identity and social standing by the destination they choose to visit and the image it presents. This image is in the hands of ‘image-makers’ who select, organize, combine and edit what is produced and distributed. Image can be deformed to attract tourists, for example, negative aspects such as poverty and crime are omitted while positive aspects are accentuated or exaggerated. Tourists can either accept the trickery or feel disappointed by the lack of authenticity, but for the locals the false image has much more serious implications, they suffer a loss of identity in their evolution into a new role. The false image gradually robs the culture and its authenticity and this can create a bad feeling and cause resentment from local people. The conception of tourism nowadays is tourism as modern equivalent of the religious pilgrimage because both pursue for authentic experiences. Even if attractions are potential expressions of authenticity not all of them are equally authentic, the host frequently stages their authenticity. Normally modern mass tourists are denied access to the back regions of the host society where genuine authenticity can be found. The social and economic impact of tourism, and consequently its effect on culture, is enormous in areas of mass tourism. For that reason, sustainable tourism try to solve the problem by advocating that the image presented should meet the needs of the local community and express their cultural heritage.

IMPACT OF TOURISM ON THE GRASSROOT LEVEL

Tourism impact on the grass root evolves as a result of numerous tourist attractions that are being found in the grass root. Tourism could be seen as the temporary short-term movement of people to destinations outside the places where they normally live and work, and activities during their stay at these destinations. It could also be seen as the movement of people from one geographical location to another for the purpose of business, meeting, health, leisure, religion etc and these visits will not require a paid work. At the same token, grass root are the ordinary people in the society or in a community that lives in rural areas.

  However, impact of tourism on the grass root means the effect tourism will have on the people when it is being developed. Theses impacts may be negative or positive. The negative impacts of tourism is as a result of over crowding of tourist to a particular destination, it will bring about prostitution, increasing transportation both air and land transport, accelerates the destruction of the ozone layer and also global warning. It also causes defacing of historic monuments and buildings and trampling upon archaeological sites and features. Despite the flows that tourism will cause on the grass root, they are also the positive impact that tourism can bring to the environment. It also brings about conservation (preservation and proper use of the environment) that is taking care of the attraction that are being found in this destinations. It also bring about rehabilitation and renovation of buildings or redevelopment of dilapidates infrastructures and also acquiring features different from the original ones. It also creates employment opportunities for the youths of the community where these attractions are situated. In addition, tourism brings about economic generation; the exchange of values which is encouraged by tourism is generally seen as a positive trend. Tourist money is used to sustain the indigenous culture, language and religion of the people at the grass root. These influences also make them to be more exposed to tourist without prior consent and at a little economic benefit to them. The economic benefits of tourism are the foreign exchange receipts that accrue from tourist ventures. These earnings will stimulate the overall development of the host community by improving the levels of national income.
     Conclusively, tourism which is a workable and effective tool of public policy for creating social and cultural understanding at the international and domestic levels, a tool for the development of other industries and cultivation of good will and better understanding with neighboring countries and the world at large. Tourism experts should be employed in local communities where these attractions are, so that there will be proper protection of tourist sites and also education of the local people about the importance of preserving the cultural and natural attractions that are being found their community. The most responsible forms of tourism contribute to the environmental and cultural habits which are seen as the only solution of people staying at home as the basic right rather than a privilege.

GLOBALIZATION AND TOURISM INDUSTRY

 Tourism one of the world’s largest lucrative and multinational economic activities, it ranks among the top five export industries for 83% of countries. It involves the greatest flows of goods, services, and people on the surface of the earth, and it is, therefore, the most visible expression of globalization. Although the role and share of tourism in international trade is constantly increasing in importance, trade in tourism services has been concentrated mainly in the developed countries, such as North America and the European Union. The share of developing countries in total world tourism is comparatively low, although rising significantly.

The influence of globalization on tourism

    Globalization has opened new opportunities for tourism development. It has facilitated growth in tourism through developments in electronic technology, communication, and transportation. It has also affected worldwide suppliers and computerized information and reservation systems, which have become more flexible and cost-effective; decreased costs of air travel; and offered easier access to destinations. The rapid spread of information technology has improved the efficiency of the tourism industry, its operations as well as the quality of services provided to consumers. It has also generated increased demand for new travel services, such as computerized hotel and car bookings, online reservation services, teleconferencing, video brochures, smart cards, and electronic funds transfer. The increasing use of the Internet in destination marketing, direct sales, and bookings has given rise to electronic tourism markets. The development of sophisticated websites has allowed for the direct dissemination of travel information to potential clients. The Internet has made travel products globally accessible at much lower costs. As a result, customer demand has become more technology and Internet-driven. In fact, the Internet has become the most sought-after amenity in hotel rooms, airports, travel information and entertainment centers, and educational institutions. The impact of technology and the Internet has dramatically affected all operations of the travel industry and significantly reduced the need for travel intermediaries.

Forms and examples of globalization in tourism

Globalization in tourism has taken many forms. The examples of globalization in the airline sector have included the liberalization of air transport that allowed for market access for private carriers, the formation of international alliances, privatization, restructuring of government-owned airlines, investment in foreign carriers, airline consolidations at the national level, joint ventures between airline companies or between airlines and equipment manufacturers, and outsourcing. The airline alliances have cooperated in marketing and promotion; standardization of equipment, services, and suppliers; development of a common brand; and sharing of frequent-flyers programs. Large air carriers developed computerized reservation systems, such as CRS and GDS, which facilitated the flight reservations process and became the main distribution and marketing tools in international tourism. Examples of globalization in the accommodation sector have included hotel cooperation and chain creation, joint ventures, franchising, management contracts, and consortia of independent hotels. Major international hotel groups include Intercontinental Hotels (the United Kingdom); Accor (France); and Cendant, Marriott, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts (the United States). These hotel corporations are involved in various countries worldwide. For example, Marriott International bought more than 50% of Renaissance Hotel Group and is presently managing more than 1300 hotels of different brands worldwide. Strategic partnerships provided Marriott International with access to 40 new markets, including Russia, China, Japan, India, Italy, and Turkey. Four Seasons Hotels used the strategic partnership with Regent International Hotels Ltd. to take over the management of hotels in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Melbourne, and Sydney. Examples of globalization in the retail sector include partnerships, integration, and franchising. Tour operators and travel agencies entered into partnerships and/or integrated with hotels, charter airlines, retail distributors, and cruise companies. American Express developed a range of products in various sectors of the industry. Since it focuses on the activities of 3200 travel agencies, it has become the largest tour operator in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and France. Franchising and management contracts are used as management strategies by foodservice companies. Another example is the German group TUI, leisure tourism world leader. This integrated company owns travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, cruise ships, and hotels in more than 30 countries. Large firms have exerted their influence on the operations of local firms by, for example, obliging local authorities to comply with certain laws and imposing conditions on local suppliers. Some tour operators have exerted a strong influence on the ways hotels operate and the prices they charge. For example, one adventure tour operator from the United Kingdom, strongly committed to protecting the environment of the destinations it features, ensures that local suppliers comply with environmental protection rules and use environmentally friendly equipment, products, and materials.

A new type of tourist

Globalization and the new political and economic world also brought changes to the tourist profile and preferences for products and services. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, scientific and technological advances led to mass production and the development of mass markets with similar attitudes and tastes. The consumer demanded mass-produced goods and services at a low price. This led the producers to mass produce products and services that had a universal appeal, such as fairly standardized mass-market package holidays. They offered good value products, though quality was sacrificed for price. This process has often been described as ‘‘McDonaldization’’. New consumers have shown a completely different behavior pattern. They have become more globally oriented. As a result of developments in communication and information technology, and increased social and economic exchanges, they have been exposed to different cultures and developed new ideas and viewpoints. They have multiple demands, often borrowed from other cultures. They have become more dependent on information technology, self-service and personal reservation tools. The new self-sufficient consumer has become more individualistic and requires more customized and highly developed products; greater choice, quality, and variety; and good value for money. Consumers have also begun to demand easier access to information technology, lower-cost transportation, and greater flexibility in travel.  After September 11, 2001, the fear of the unexpected, such as wars, political conflicts, terrorism, or incurable diseases, has increased consumers’ desire for safety, social stability, and order. Consumers have begun to re-evaluate their consumption behaviors, use of time, and attitudes toward leisure. They have chosen a new balance between career and family, and work and play. They have developed a new ‘‘wait and see’’ attitude, facilitated by ‘‘last-minute-purchase’’ web sites, resulting in late bookings. Also, the emergence of ‘‘search for experiences’’ as a travel motivator, as well as increased environmental awareness, has led travelers to modify their behavior and to look for alternative forms of travel. These changes in consumer behavior have generated demand for new experiences. Consumers have begun to demand authentic and genuine experiences. A new type of tourist called the ‘‘experiential’’ tourist has emerged. This type of tourist is interested in novelty, ‘‘strangeness,’’ authenticity, and all that is different and that creates unique experiences. As a result, the industry has striven to organize tours to various localities that have something unique and specific and that set them apart from other destinations with their scenic beauty, festivals, or art works. The new tourist has also developed new, intrinsic travel motivations and cultural needs, such as seeking new identity, self-actualization, and self-development, rather than physical recreation and rest. As a result, the suppliers must pay more attention to what the new tourist thinks and feels. Such a shift in consumption preferences has begun to produce a new tourist who demands new products, variety, flexibility, and personalization. New tourists have also begun to develop new values and worldviews that stress the importance of family and ecology. It is hoped that in such a world, traveling will come to be more about developing social relations, preserving natural resources, becoming educated, and maximizing the quality of experience than about the quantity of products purchased. In fact, more and more tourists are seeking the fulfillment of intrinsic needs and finding self-expression in culture, ethics, and morality; understanding the importance of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual well-being; and becoming more concerned about the planet, its resources, and its inhabitants all coexisting in peace. Such changes in consumer behavior have also brought changes to destination marketing and called for the development of more targeted and customized products. A number of new lifestyle segments, such as single-parent households; ‘‘empty nesters’’ (couples whose children have left home); double-income couples without kids (DINKS); baby boomers; and generations X, Y, and M, have became prevalent in tourism and signaled the need for a more differentiated approach to targeting. The identification of the specific needs of the individual customer has called for product diversification, customization, and exploitation of niche marketing.

A new type of tourism

Changing values of the new consumer have created a demand for new products and provided a driving force for the development of new types of tourism. Traditional mass tourism, although still prevalent, is evolving into a ‘‘new tourism,’’ often called responsible, soft, alternative, green, or sustainable tourism. The new types of tourism that hold a great potential for the future tourism market are cultural tourism; health, wellness and spa; nature-based; educational; wildlife; geo-; genealogic; gastronomic or food and wine; photographic; volunteer; virtual; experiential; space; ethical or moral; community; and Para tourism. These new types of tourism require tourism product customization, which has begun to play an important role in the industry and tourism marketing. The industry is facing the challenge of catering to the individual tourist’s needs, and it is therefore transforming itself from being focused on the mass market to becoming diversified and focused on individual tourists’ needs.

   Finally tourism industry has achieved a giant strive in the area of tourist movement form one geographical area to the other. The world tourism organization came out with statistics that the tourism industry recorded a surprise increase from 2011 to 2012, the tourist inflow and outflow to various countries was recorded to be 1 billion in 2012 ending where as in 2011 the movement was only 12million. This shows that globalization and education has contributed much in the area of tourism industry generally.

RELIGIOUS TOURISM: AWHUM MONASTERY IN VIEW

Tourism has an important place within the world economy and represents a basic branch in many countries with touristic vocation. In the context of the current world crisis, religious tourism is a complex phenomenon in a continuous transformation and diversification, though keeping the basic element which established it: religion. The contribution of religious tourism to the world economy development is accomplished directly by the registered incomes from the specific activities, through the regional development functions of the destinations, through the function of education and development of the culture and development horizon in general. Unlike other economic fields, it has been statistically proven that in the current crisis situation, religious tourism registers a constant growth. Religious obligations have become a fashionable trend all over the world as a means of expressing beliefs and faith in the ability of God to protect and guide man kind. It would amount to stating the most obvious that Religious practices both under the auspices of Christianity, Islam and traditional practices have in no small way contributed to the development of tourism in the world. It is a known fact that the Christian pilgrimages to Israel has formed an economic platform for the empowerment of the localities and contributed to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. Also, in the Saudi Arabia, where many Islamic faithful converge twice every year for religious rituals, has been of tremendous economic benefit to the country and her people. With these scenarios and many others around the world, it has become valid that religious tourism can become a source of economic revival to a country and its people.
          Furthermore, in Nigeria, beyond several allusions by government on the promotion of tourism, Religion has continued to play a pivotal role in the development of tourism in the country .Many dignitaries have in recent time found Nigeria the essential balm to many of their spiritual problems, with many heads of government visiting Nigeria to seek solution. The growth of religious tourism in Nigeria has been pivoted by Christians, Islam and Traditional believers, through various festivals, programmes that have become tourist attractions for many, both within and outside Nigeria. The Christian fold appears to be taken the lead in contributing to tourism development in Nigeria, thanks to the upsurge of evangelical activities in the Pentecostal fold, The many Christian crusades, seminars and festivals that are held in every nook and cranny of Nigeria have become an avenue for the development of tourism, especially with the crowd that normally throngs these venues.

     Among the mega place that attract tourist is the Awhum monastery which is located in Amaugwe village of Awhum town in Udi Local Council Area of Enugu State. The monastery was the first monastery in Nigeria and it attracts various religious pilgrims from various parts of the country. The monastery has healing water which is known as Awhum waterfall which is about 20mins trekking to the site; 30 meters in height and several caves lining the track to the waterfall. The track itself is actually a small stream with big rocks overhanging in some places along the track.

                                                Awhum water fall- The healing water

The water fall heals various types of disease as far as you have faith in God. The town is in a valley and bounded on all sides by beautiful rolling hills covered in grass. The community also boasts of numerous pristine lakes, some of them with beautiful white sand beaches. The numerous streams and lakes are still maintained in their natural conditions. More than 50 different species of fish are found in the streams and lakes of the community and some of the lakes have never been fished on before. The total number of pilgrims to the monastery very year is about 2000 in number and this has also contributed to the economic earning of the community and the people leaving near by.

Cave at the Awhum monastery

The statistics of participants at these religious festivals must be known, so that it can be factored into the Tourism Satellite Account, (TSA) which will make it easy for the country to measure the contribution of tourism to national economy. It is also believed by many that what Awhum monastery needs to become a Jerusalem or Mecca is to develop the infrastructures on ground to acceptable standard and also provide  adequate security for would be religious tourists to the monastery. Industry practitioners argue that if Israel and Saudi Arabia can garner enough economic benefit from religious tourism, Nigeria can achieve same with the level of patronage that most Nigeria churches have gained over the years. It is argued that beyond the alleged image problem of Nigeria, if these foreign heads of government, technocrats and citizenry can come to Nigeria on religious pilgrimage, it means the country can comfortably use it as a platform for economic revival.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT A PANACEA FOR DEVELOPMENT

       In 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit, 178 governments approved Agenda 21 and the Rio Declaration. Agenda 21 offered a blueprint for sustainable development, while the Rio Declaration articulated the main principles for sustainable development in the 21st century. Both documents challenged organizations, governments and industries to work towards maximum levels of sustainability, a number of countries in Africa and the Pacific consider tourism to be an important vehicle for economic and social development. The tourism industry has the potential to generate foreign exchange earnings, create employment, promote development in various parts of the country, reduce income and employment disparities among regions, strengthen linkages among many sectors of the national economy and help to alleviate poverty. However, this standard view of the tourism industry does not give a complete picture of the potential contribution that tourism can provide for developing countries. A more complete viewpoint can be provided by the concept of sustainable tourism development, because it can help policy-makers make more effective policies and plans designed to realize the full social and economic potential of the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism development is premised on the responsibility of governments and all stakeholders in the tourism sector to ensure that long-term prosperity and the quality of life of future generations is not placed at risk.

       In order to sustain tourism, it is necessary for countries to address various issues arising from tourism’s contribution to development in a comprehensive, systematic way. Issues of policy-making, planning, management and the participation of the private sector and other stakeholders must be addressed in terms of opportunities for action and possible constraints that need to be overcome by concerted efforts.

Challenges and opportunities for sustainable tourism development

      In the past decade, tourism has become the largest and most lucrative industry worldwide in terms of employment and share of global gross domestic product. The tourism industry has been growing rapidly as well as changing at a fast pace, as more people are interested in spending leisure time in nature, (ecotourism) it has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism industry. This creates opportunities in areas characterized by natural attractions, wildlife and wilderness habitats. Local communities may benefit in economic terms as well as create a commitment to conservation and sustainable development.

    At present, increased demands for ecotourism create pressure on carrying capacity. Greater numbers of visitors makes it more likely that habitats will be at risk and the wilderness and cultural heritage could be ruined. For instance, in China they will encounter many challenges, because they are ranked sixth worldwide in terms of tourist arrivals. In the next twenty years, China is forecast to be the top tourist destination and the fourth largest source of tourists in the world. This prospect for major tourism growth in China makes it important to quickly consider the environmental and social issues that are part of sustainable tourism development. Careful planning and assessment are important parts of sustainable tourism development. Officials responsible for national parks and other nature areas will have a major responsibility for handling the challenges and deciding which opportunities for tourism development can be sustained over the long term. Local communities will also have to participate in planning and assessment when culture and heritage are important parts of ecotourism. It has been noted that the principles for ecotourism have not yet been firmly established in order to guide planning and assessment. However, two basic principles of ecotourism that have been identified are: (1) encourage conservation and (2) provide benefits to the local populations. However they are certain tools that can be used to help achieve balance, such as assessment of carrying capacity, finding the limits of acceptable change and doing cost/benefit analysis. Tourism policy-makers, planners and managers should consider these tools as helpful only if they take a holistic, coordinated approach, especially since benefits and costs in terms of sustainable tourism development are not easily defined in monetary terms. Furthermore, measuring the success of tourism involving nature (for example, national parks) and culture (for example, village-based tourism) should not just be based on number of visitors or amount of income; rather measurement should include the length of stay, quality of the experience and whether natural and cultural resources have been conserved. Ecotourism can clearly create opportunities for spreading the economic benefits of tourism to villages, remote areas and national parks, as long as the government policy aims to have more tourism in these areas and the local people have participated in the process. Along these lines, policy-makers should be aware that smaller-scale business operators are more appropriate for activities related to ecotourism and government policies need to support this level of tourism services.

Environmental management of tourism development

        Tourism plays important role in economic development at any community, national, regional and global levels by using natural resources and environments as key physical inputs. In making use of the environment and natural resources, the negative impacts have to be minimized to assure sustainable use, as well as generate enough tourism revenue to reinvest a certain portion of funds. The reinvestment should aim at enhancing the quality of the resources and build the management capacity at various levels. There is a complex relationship between tourism and the environment, such that tourism has inevitable and important environmental impacts, including: resource use, consumption, waste, pollution and effects from tourism-related transport. At the same time, beaches, mountains, rivers, forests and diverse flora and fauna make the environment a basic resource that the tourism industry needs in order to thrive and grow. While the viability of tourism could be threatened by negative environmental impacts, tourism could also contribute significantly to environmental protection. This shows that tourism and the environment are interrelated and interdependent in complex ways, and together they could provide a sustainable economic base for development. In light of these observations, tourism policy-makers, managers and planners must address the issues of environmental management of tourism development in a sustainable manner.

The adverse impact of tourism on the environment relates to pressure on natural resources, harm to wildlife and habitats, creation of pollution and waste and related social and cultural pressures. Other environmental issues that need to be addressed are:

• Deterioration of natural resources (fresh water, land and landscape, marine resources, atmosphere and local resources), which may be resilient, but can deteriorate rapidly if impact exceeds tolerable limits;

• Disruption of wildlife and habitats, including vegetation, endangered species, use of forest resources, intrusion into fragile areas with sensitive ecosystems;

• Creation of pollution and waste contaminating the land, fresh water sources, marine resources, as well as causing air and noise pollution.

     

      The Environment Committee of the World Tourism Organization (WTO) has taken action through its Tourism and Environment Task Force by developing indicators of sustainability that are relevant to the tourism industry and accepted internationally. Tourism managers and planners can use these indicators to address concerns about sustainability. 

Promotion of cultural tourism and heritage site management

      The major contribution of the tourism industry as a vehicle for economic development in many countries around the world has been widely acknowledged. At present, tourism should be seen as an activity that contributes to a better understanding of places, people and their cultures. In the process of sharing and experiencing the culture and heritage of a country such as China, Nigeria, Kenya etc, international tourists will also have a stronger positive image of the country at the present time. The phenomenon of cultural tourism can be understood in terms of supply, demand, marketing and promotion. The issues concerning heritage site management can be considered by looking at the supply and demand sides. Many sites, artifacts and festivals in countries worldwide have special meaning and significance for local people and reflect the varied history of mankind. In fact, many places have been designated as world heritage sites like the Suku Kingdom in Adamawa state, the Osun Oshogbo festival in Osun state of Nigeria and so many others. However, the creation of special events and arrangement of sites for the purpose of attracting tourists is a relatively recent phenomenon. The notion of supply with respect to cultural tourism relates to an assessment of how a cultural manifestation would be accepted by the market. An objective, unbiased assessment would be needed, and it is usually best obtained from knowledgeable outsiders. Local culture may also have to be assessed in terms of suitability for tourism, and this means that it is important for local stakeholders to be identified, especially who will benefit more and who will benefit less.

       At the same token, considering cultural tourism from the demand side requires understanding that people become tourists for a variety of reasons and motives. Most of the time, tourists seek a variety of attractions at a location and cultural tourism products may be one of several factors that create a tourist attraction. There may be sites of cultural and historical significance that are so unique that they create their own demand, such as the Great Wall in China, Suku kingdom in Adamawa state, Osun Oshogbo festival in Osun state Nigeria. Of course, demand for cultural tourism products will also depend on the adequacy of tourism infrastructure, quality of accommodations, state of the environment, etc. The possibility of overcrowding at a cultural site, especially during special holiday periods, will affect demand. It is also important to be aware that most tourists travel for leisure, so that the culture has to be explained in ways that are easy to understand, including gestures of hospitality. For most tourists, cultural experiences are embedded in other tourist experiences such as nature walks, shopping, dining and relaxing at the beach.

      Finally, Promotion of cultural assets and heritage sites can help to attract certain segments of the tourist market, but it is important to understand that most international tourists have a variety of interests and expectations when they visit a country. Cultural attractions and heritage sites must be well managed and properly interpreted in order to gain the maximum tourism benefit for the local community, the tourists and the site managers. This will enhance the image of the country, as well as create greater international understanding of people, places and cultures. Tourism development and marketing require continuous and consistent efforts over time. All stakeholders, especially the government, the private sector and the community, must work together in an integrated manner for tourism to succeed. When considered as an industry, tourism must also have the necessary infrastructure: accessibility, airports, seaports, roads, electricity, water supply, hotel and restaurant facilities and service personnel.

Sustainable Tourism Development: Principles and Practices

     When policy-makers, planners and investors decide to develop the tourism industry, they find that there are many different forms of tourism. The forms vary according to their location, the interests of the tourists and the tourism resources that are available. Regardless of form, however, there are certain positive impacts of tourism that are expected to contribute to development. For example, there is added support for the economy of a community, new employment is created, community stability can be maintained, amenities in the area are enhanced and the community can build a sense of pride and local identity. At the same time, planners and stakeholders have to take into account possible negative impacts from tourism. Sustainable tourism is one approach to development of the tourism industry designed to provide a context that can guide choices, bring together stakeholders so they act in the common interest and help decision-makers see more clearly how to balance the positive and negative impacts at present and in the future.

     One definition of sustainable tourism states that it is tourism developed and maintained in an area (community, environment) in such a manner and at such a scale that it remains viable over an indefinite period and does not degrade or alter the environment (human or physical) in any way that might prohibit the successful development and well-being of other activities and processes. This definition includes a number of imperatives that should serve as guides for action:

(1)             Make prudent use of the earth’s resources,

(2)             Alleviate poverty and reduce gender inequalities,

(3)             Enhance the quality of life,

(4)             Preserve biodiversity and life support systems for all natural habitats,

(5)             Preserve indigenous knowledge and ways of life based on respect for different traditions, and

(6)             Encourage bottom up responsibility for participation and enhanced capabilities for local level decision-making.

     In another development, it is possible to set forth a number of principles for sustainable tourism development. The main principles include the following:

• Residents must maintain control over tourism development and planning requires broad-based community input.

• Quality employment must be provided for the community along with education and training programmes.

• Distribution of the benefits must be broad-based and cooperation among local stakeholders is essential.

• Intergenerational equity must be provided and tourism businesses and other tourism agencies must adopt long-term planning horizons.

• Tourism strategies and plans must be linked to broader initiatives reflected in economic development plans of the community, region or nation and move away from the traditional growth-oriented model.

• Harmony is required between the needs of the visitor, the place and the community in order to promote appropriate uses and activities.

• The scale and type of tourism facilities must reflect limits of acceptable use, and this means guidelines are needed for tourism operations and impact assessments must be required.

• The community heritage and natural resources must be maintained and enhanced using internationally acceptable criteria and standards.

• Marketing for sustainable tourism must provide for a high quality tourist experience.

    The practice of sustainable tourism development is based on management of capacities and sites. Simply put, carrying capacity measures the level of use that is sustainable. However, there are a number of issues to be addressed, which means that carrying capacity becomes quite complex in the management of tourism development. Every environment serves multiple purposes and sensitivity to different use levels depends on the values of all users. A range of valued products and services must come from the same environment and different types of use have different impacts. Carrying capacity can be useful because it draws attention to limits and thresholds beyond which a site should not be developed. There are a number of ways to measure carrying capacity, including:

(1)             Tangible resource limits,

(2)             Tolerance by the host population,

(3)              Visitor satisfaction,

(4)               Rates of growth, and

(5)              Other quantifiable indicators.

         Conclusively, the most important challenge for sustainable tourism development concerns the perspective and expectations that all stakeholders, particularly government policy-makers, have about tourism’s contribution at the local, regional and national levels. Many developing countries view tourism as a vehicle for economic development, given its potential to earn foreign exchange, create employment, reduce income and employment disparities, strengthen linkages among economic sectors and help to alleviate poverty. The challenge facing policy-makers is to have a broader perspective and better understanding that there can be both positive and negative effects from tourism development. Moreover, a broader perspective challenges all stakeholders involved with tourism from the community level to the national level to find the means to work together in more proactive ways that will increase the positive effects and minimize the possible negative effects of tourism development. Sustainable tourism development provides the opportunity to take proactive approaches based on broad participation by stakeholders, which would contribute to more effective policies and plans. This would increase the opportunities to realize the full social and economic potential of the tourism industry. Sustainable tourism development creates the opportunity for governments and all stakeholders in the tourism sector to aim at ensuring long-term prosperity and quality of life for future generations. Sustainable tourism development also creates opportunities to preserve natural and cultural heritages for tourists and local people in ways that address development problems and reduce risks to the environment and ways of life.

UMUOMAKU: THE PLACE, PEOPLE AND CULTURE

Umuomaku a town in Anambra state is located in Orumba south local Government Area, bounded in the east by Umuchu, west- Umunze, North- Ezira, and then South- Enugwumuonyia. The land surface area lies between latitudes 6^o 18^o N, and longitude 6^o 52^o E. it covers a total surface area of approximately 3,961 square kilometers. The climatic condition is essentially wet and dry tropical savannah, with the average mean daily temperature of about 69.80^o to 80.8^o F between September and January.

    Historically, the origin of Umuomaku like that of many Igbo communities that exist till today is surrounded with myth and Legends. In early forties Umuomaku was part of what is known as Amanassa town. Amanassa comprises of the present Umuomaku, Enugwumuonyia and Agbudu. In the first place, Umuchukwuokike is the progenitor of Umuomaku, Onyi the progenitor of Enugwumuonyia and Dimori the progenitor of Agbudu town, which migrated from Ebu in the Middle Ages. They are three brothers and they emigrated from Ebu with their realtion Idegwu, the progenitor of Achina town at the same time and from the same place. Umuchukwuokike married his first wife from Umuchiama in Orlu and he gave birth to Iboro. The sons of Iboro are now the present Umuomaku. Iboro gave birth to Agatha, Ngada, Lagi, Isieke, and Dimagu.Umuomaku now comprises four villages and they are: the family of Agathia and Isieke are now the present Umunambu, the family of Ngada is the present Umungada, while Isiobi is now made up of Lagi. Umuomaku and the younger brother of omaku with the part of Umuloria, they now bear the name Okpober village. Umuokpulukpu village is made up of Umudimagu and later emigrants who joined in later years. In addition, Iboro died early in life and his wife omaku took his children and began to look after them she is the one who later brought the children up ‘Tradition has it that any person whose mother look after them will be known by their mothers name.’ it now became known that the Sons of Iboro are now known as Omaku their mother’s name. That provoked Enugwumuonyia and Agbudu to refuse to be known by their mothers name and because of that they pulled out of what was known as Amanassa. Dimori now became an autonomous community. Thus what was known as Amanassa now became known as three autonomous towns of Umuomaku, Enugwumuonyia and Agbudu.

 Umuomaku has three villages which are as follows Umunambu, Umungada, and Umuokpulukpu. Umunambu is made up of six wards that include Umuoka, Isieke, Umudu, Umudim, Umuawuro, and Umuoha. While Umungada is grouped into four unites that are: Ngodondiocha, Okpober oji, Uwuelendiocha and Umuaria. Lastly, Umuokpulukpu is comprised of eight unites or wards and they are Umudim, Uluoila, Umuezeala, Diobu, Umuou, Umumeoha, Umuokro-ochia and Okouo.

        SOCIO- ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES OF UMUOMAKU

Traditionally the people of Umuomaku like every other traditional Igbo community have various ways of lively hood character tic of them. During the pre-colonial period, the people of Umuomaku had a unique way of sustaining themselves. Some of such ways include the following, crop framing and livestock keeping, wine tapping, trading, basket and mat making, cloth weaving, smelting and other crafts like wood carving e.t.c .During the pre-colonial era, economic activities were done on subsistence basis and so most products were basically for domestic consumption. Farming never the less was the main and central occupation of the people of Umuomaku. The people produce various staple food items which include white guinea yam- Dioscorea Clumetorium, Coco yam- Colocasia esculents, Cassava- Manihol esculenta, Mazie – Zea-mays, Pepper- Capskum annum, Yellow yam- Dioscorea Cayenensis, among others.

   In those early days, when there were no white collar jobs or any government establishments for employment, the people depended so much on agriculture for sustenance. The status of any Umuomaku man then depended to a large extent on his great achievements as a farmer. Consequently, it was the great importance attached to agriculture that made it to remain the matrix in which all other indigenous economic are set. Another aspect of the people’s economic life is animal husbandry. The community accords a lot of honors to a man who has large herd of cattle, sheep and other stock like goats, pig, and poultry e.t.c.

    Presently, farming in Umuomaku has experienced serious setbacks as a result of modernization. Many able bodied men and women who from the productive sector of the population migrate from rural to urban areas in search of white collar jobs. The effects are that only the aged people are left in the village, thus leaving huge hectares of land uncultivated. But in spite of all these, the people still produce abundant food for its teeming population and for export to big cities. All these were mostly produced with the use of crude implements which are still very much in use today in the area.

THE CULTURAL AND NATURAL ENDOWMENTS OF UMUOMAKU

CULTURAL

The cultural endowments of Umuomaku include the famous masquerade festival and other cultural festivals and events in the area. About five centuries ago when the performance of the masquerade festival was first staged in Umuomaku, although the history of the festival pre-dates, that it used to be staged on Afor and Orie market day. The performance of the festival has characterisly been heralded by large turnout of crowds in an atmosphere of fanfare, pomp and pageantry. It has indeed drawn great attention as elders of Umuomaku for the first time took unprecedented interest in organization of the event. The festival is a spectacle to behold. It is about the return of the dead to the living which they believe is a visitor from the world of the spirit. That is why it speaks in funny nasal sound which usually is the ventriloqual language of the dead. The return of Umuomaku masquerade festival from the spirit world to visit the people on earth usually takes place in the middle of March using the modern calendar.

     Traditionally, the people of Umuomaku believe that the festival brings fortune to the people and also ward off evils in the town each time they visited. They also believe that the masquerade festival provides them with their material needs and also ensures that peace and harmony resigns in the area especially throughout the festive period. During the festival many masquerades parade the square to entertain the spectators. The masquerades are as follows: Ojembaenweilo, Obataosu, Ojanvu, Iduu, Oriumuazi, Ogbaoso, Ezemmuo, Iyeagbaoku, Okoboro etc. from the moment the festival starts, the town will be set agog and thousands of spectators, who had come to watch the festival from far and near are thronged the square, marveling at the dance steps and other displays of the masquerades. The spectators drive a lot of ecstasy from the style of movement and the manipulation of staffs which makes the festival very attractive and interesting to behold.

NATURAL EDOWMENT

Umuomaku is blessed with spectacular caves and rock shelters, some with attendant waterfalls. The caves and rock shelters include:

a)     Ikweawuwo( rock)

b)    Mmiri Igwe

c)     Ogbagwodogwodo

d)    Mmiri Okwute

These caves and rock shelters have acquired certain qualities and characteristics which have qualified them as a tourist attraction.

IKWEAWUWO (ROCK FORMATION)

The rock shelter (Ikeawuwo) is located in Umunambu village, a few kilometers north of Ndiocha village. The rock shelter is formed of outcrop of sedimentary rocks it is colossal and over towering in size. This shelter possesses spectacular rocky land scape that continues to excite the imagination of any visitor to the site. The site is located towards the top of a rather steep, rocky hill and because of the nature of the stone debris which indicated that some stone tools were probably manufactured there; it raised the interest of an Archaeologist Professor D. Hartle who then conducted an excavation at the site in 1964. The site has yielded a lot of artifacts including worked stone tools and potsherds.

In addition, the rock which has the shape of a mortar is an underground chamber. Historically, the villagers used the chambers as a hiding place during the inter- tribal wars. The site has also attracted students from various Universities for a research purposes

MMIRI IGWE (SPRING WATER)

Water- base tourism is a fascinating experience. Orumba south local government area can boast of many beautiful streams, these streams are situated on various towns that make up Orumba- south local government area which Umuomaku is one of them. They are various streams in Umuomaku which are as follows; the popular Nwaegle stream, Ubo stream, Awuwo, Uwausu and Mmiri Igwe. These numerous streams found within Umuomaku constitute the best scenic sites and tourist attractions. Mmiri Igwe stream is one of the natural attractions in Umuomaku, the streams comes out from the rock, many researches has tried to locate the source of the stream but none of them has come out with a good result. The stream is a spectacular tourist attractions and it has attracted a lot of tourist from different countries who visited the place to admire nature and also to take photography.

        

OGBAGWODOGWODO (ROCK WITH CAVE AND WATER FALL)

The Ogbagwodogwodo cave is so unique because it consists of water fall. This fall is usually intense during the rainy seasons. Below the height of the rock is directly where the water is splashing. The site is located along the road by the left if one is going to Umuchu from Umunambu village. It formed one of the valleys that emanated from the hill. The mouth of the cave has been half covered with sand from the water splash. Also the entire site is covered with bushes due to inadequate attention and neglect given to it. The cave also served as a hide out for the villagers during tribal wars they also used it as a place to where they hide war implements.

   Having revealed the reach cultural and natural attraction in Umuomaku which can be adequately harnessed to promote tourism in the area, the socio-cultural and economic activity of tourism is today seen as a discretion that requires the movement of people from places of abode to places of interest.