ASSESSMENT OF THE TOURISM POTENTIALS OF OLUMIRIN AND ARINTA WATERFALLS IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The abounding potentials for tourism in both Olumirin Waterfall, Erin Ijesa and Arinta Waterfall, Ipole-Iloro Ekiti were assessed over a period of six months from September 2011 to February 2012. The objectives of the study were to assess: the tourist attractions, the cultural festivals and the various hospitality facilities of the two sites for ecotourism purposes. The methods used for data collection were; direct observations, oral interview, and questionnaire administration. Visits were made to tourism board in Ekiti and Osun State to obtain secondary data, in order to provide background knowledge on the tourist attractions in the states. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics: percentages, frequencies, and bar charts. The result of the study reveals that, 25% of the tourists were attracted to the scenery of the site at Arinta Waterfall and 62.5% of the respondents were attracted to the waterfall at Olumirin. The percentage of tourists visiting Olumirin Waterfall for recreational purposes was 82.5%, for spiritual 15% and research for 1.7%, while at Arinta Waterfall 70% were there for recreational purposes. Only 8% were there for spiritual purpose while 20% of tourists were there for research purpose. The cultural festivals common to Erin Ijesa and Ipole–Iloro Ekiti were Egungun (Masquerade) and New Yam Festivals. The hospitality facilities present at both sites were; relaxation centers, reliable security, a guesthouse around Olumirin Waterfall, a sourvenier shop, where drinks and toiletries can be bought, an uncompleted restaurant, good assessable road that leads to Arinta Waterfall. It is evident from the study that the level of development in the two sites was very low. Therefore, a lot needs to be done to bring tourism up to the level of a viable revenue yielding industry.