RESIDENT’S ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE IMPACTS FROM TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN SUKUR, MADAGALI, ADAMAWA STATE

Abstract

The development of tourist destinations and thereafter, the patronage and flow of tourists to such areas generate impacts. These effects are much felt and seen in the destination region, where tourists interact with the local environment, economy, culture and society of the visited area. The interaction trigger off local perceptions and subsequent attitudes of the locals toward tourism development and visitors at large. This research identified the attitude of the locals towards tourism on Sukur World Heritage Site. Data were collected through 373 questionnaires distributed to a stratified sample of local residents who are randomly selected within each stratum. 297 questionnaires were returned and analysed. The study found out that tourism development in Sukur has provided more benefits than cost; with the strongest and most favourable perceptions found to be the increase recognition of the local cultural heritage and increased residents’ pride in local culture. The local community has thereby generated strong positive attitudes to tourism development.