Comparison of Perception of Landscape Features of the Lagos Lagoon for Recreation by its Users and Experts

Abstract

Tourism is a major income earner for most countries and the existence of a natural water body usually attracts tourists and residents alike to the area. In tourism studies as in many other fields, the views of the experts do not always agree with those of the general potential users. In examining the current state of tourism and tourism development potentials of the Lagos Lagoon, which is part of the network of lagoons stretching from the Republic of Benin to the Nigerian Niger Delta region, it became necessary to compare the views and perception of the general potential users (domestic and foreign visitors alike) with those of landscape and tourism experts. The data is to help policy makers as well as investors to plan based on empirical information which is currently lacking. 422 users of various water–based recreationvenues in Lagos were sampled using photo questionnaires, while the views of 26 experts – landscape and tourism experts – were also sampled, using structured interviews and photo-questionnaires. The different instruments used were structured toexplore the status of tourism in the Lagos Lagoon area and theperceptionsconcerning its tourism development. Results showed a difference in perception by the experts and the general populace.The outcome of the research indicates the need for further research to address the discrepancies in perception in order for industry practitioners and policy makers to properly determine appropriate measures, facilities and land-use planning options to furtherdevelop tourism in the Lagos Lagoon.