THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN PROMOTING CONSERVATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN JOS, PLATEAU STATE

Abstract

The unique climate conditions of Plateau State and the numerous tourism attraction and spots has made Plateau State the home of peace and tourism and also tourist haven of Nigeria. This paper is centered on five resorts in Plateau State such as National Museum, Jos Wildlife Park, ASSOP Falls, Pandom Wildlife Park and Solomon Lar Amusement Park. Data for resort patronage were provided only in National Musem, Jos Wildlife Park and ASSOP Falls. The critical issue of concerned was on domestic and international patronage of tourist resort between 1996-2008 and the recreational facilities provided in each of the resort centres. Data were collected base on questionnaires, directly field observation and interviews. The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA and the results obtained shows that there is a significance variation in the patronage of the different resorts centres used for this study. However, the viability of tourism potentials can only strive effective in Plateau State if there is full participation of the various stakeholders in decision making process.