Identification and Categorisation of Hospitality Services Available in Selected Ecotourism Destinations in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The issue of tourist destinations as locations that provide a range of tourism-related goods and services (such as attractions, accessibility, bundled activities, famous artefacts, and supplementary services) that are used in conjunction with the destination's brand has been extensively discussed in the existing literature and the Bible. The hospitality sector, which encompasses a wide range of human endeavours, such as travel, leisure, amusement, hotel and restaurant operations, catering, tourist excursions, exhibits, and a variety of scientific conferences, has been identified as critical to receiving and greeting guests while providing food, beverages, and lodging. Hence, this study aimed to classify and identify the different hospitality services that are offered in selected South West Nigerian ecotourism areas. The qualitative method was utilised using the direct observation approach. Images of the amenities at the locations were captured and used as plates in the main body of the work. Based on their names and the kinds of services they provide, these services were grouped. Food kiosks, restaurants, bars, bush bars, and resort hotels are the classifications. The findings of this study have effects on how Nigerian tourism will grow by offering a wide range of attractions and hospitality services. Therefore, Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) should focus on promoting their destinations to potential tourists as this can raise tourists' confidence in the hospitality services available at the destinations by ensuring the provision of the required services of a standard destination, which could result in more tourists visiting them and more money being made from tourism.