Socio-demographic Characteristics and Customers' Visitation Pattern to Selected Ecolodges in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Social demographic characteristics are critical factors that bolster visitation pattern in relation to choice of destination and increase marketability in today's hospitality industry. This is a serious consideration for undertaken this study on the influence of demographic factors on visitation pattern among tourists to selected ecolodges in Cross River State Nigeria. The survey was conducted in Cross River National Park and Obudu Mountain Resorts between December 2019 and November 2020. Convenience sampling technique was adopted to administer 635 structured questionnaires at both locations. The findings revealed information on social demographic characteristics of the respondents and visitation pattern to the selected destinations. Regression result indicated that income and age are significant socio-demographic variables predicted variation in customers’ visitation pattern. Designing of marketing strategies for ecolodge products/services based on the available information on social demographic factors of the visitors were canvassed for policy implementation.