Obed Luka Kpadji &
Department of Tourism Management Technology
Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State
James Abba
Department of Tourism Management Technology
Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, Nasarawa State
ABSTRACT
Eco-tourism, a subset of sustainable tourism, promotes responsible travel to natural areas, environmental conservation, and local community well-being. This study analyzed security challenges affecting eco-tourism, proposed strategies to enhance tourist safety, and evaluated their impact on tourism growth at Ngel-Nyaki Forest Reserve. Using a survey research method, the study employed simple random, stratified, sampling techniques to select participants, including management staff, employees, tourists, and locals involved in auxiliary services. A sample size of 113 was determined from an estimated population of 160 using the Krejcie and Morgan table. Questionnaires were used for data collection, with 100 responses analyzed using SPSS. A four-point Likert scale, with a mean threshold of 2.50, guided data interpretation. Findings revealed that communal conflicts and ethnic clashes significantly hindered eco-tourism sustainability, with a mean score of 3.14. Advanced technologies like surveillance drones enhanced tourist safety, achieving a mean score of 3.70. Comprehensive security measures increased tourist return likelihood, fostering eco-tourism growth. The study concluded that robust security measures balanced with positive tourist experiences are critical for sustainable eco-tourism. Recommendations included strengthening policing in tourism hotspots, deterring crimes such as kidnapping, and investing in advanced security technologies to improve monitoring and response capabilities.
Keyword: Domestic, Ecotourism, environmental conservation, local community well-being, measures, Security