Potentials of Coastal and Marine Tourism in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is blessed with diverse water resources that range from resources of the inland and marine waters. However, the country has not adequately channeled these resources into use for water-based tourism. Several socioeconomic gains obtainable from marine and coastal tourism, as one of the fastest growing forms of tourism, have been utilized by many countries. Therefore, this article reviewed coastal and marine tourism and highlighted its prospects from relevant literature as it relates to tourism development in Nigeria. Identification of aquatic resources in Nigeria and their sustainable utilization for tourism will offer the country several benefits of diversified economy, which is capable of withstanding the instability of an oil-based monoeconomy. Some of the prospects of coastal and marine tourism that Nigeria can tap include revenue generation, job creation, and resource conservation, among others.