A research proposal is a brief document that outlines the key aspects of a proposed research study. Writing a research proposal involves several key steps, including defining the research problem, outlining the research objectives, describing the research methodology, and justifying the significance of the study. Here, we provide a 1000-word proposal sample that may serve as a blueprint for conducting research. Such proposals are typically submitted as part of a funding application or academic assignment.

Written by Olamide Olatunji

1.0       Introduction

Tourism has become a major sector of many economies in developed and some developing economies of the world (Telfer and Sharpley, 2015). It is regarded has the world’s largest business organization with a turn over of an average US$4 billion per day and amounting to 25 per cent of the world’s total gross national product. The history of tourism as a viable economic sector in Nigeria is dated back to 1472 when the first portuguese merchants visited lagos on a mercantile mission (Onor, 2015).

Nigeria, with its rich cultural history, various landscapes, and beautiful attractions ranging from unique wildlife, tropical forests, magnificent waterfalls, to new rapidly growing cities, climatic conditions that are particularly conducive for holidaying, traditional ways of life preserved in local customs, rich and varied handicrafts and other colorful products (Oduntan, 2021) depictive or illustrative of native arts and lifestyle are however still largely untapped. However, the viable potentiality of tourism in Nigeria is influenced by diverse factors, with governemnt policies being an important factor.

In view of this, the focus of this research is to examine the effect of government policies on the development of tourism in Nigeria, exploring how policy decisions have influenced the progress of the tourism sector, difficulties, and prospects for growth.

1.1       Research Rationale

Nigeria is one of the developing countries with an insatiable commitment to the preservation and protection of several historic, archaeological and cultural destinations from destruction (Chukwuka and Amahi, 2021) due its potentiality to significantly contribute to job creation, cultural preservation and the economic growth.

This sector is underperforming as a contributor to the national gross domestic product in the area of safety, security, and international tourism, primarily due to the nation’s lackluster attitude toward implementing functioning tourism development policies (Oloidi, 2020). Based on this, the researcher plan to analyse and examine the relationship between government policies and tourism development in Nigeria to contribute to the literature.

1.2       Aim and Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of government policies on the development of tourism in Nigeria. The objectives are to:

1. Investigate the current government policies in relation to tourism in Nigeria;
2. Determine if government policies affects the development of tourism in Nigeria; and
3. Identify challenges and opportunities for tourism development in Nigeria influenced by government policies.

1.3       Research Questions

This study intends to answer the following questions.

1. What are the government policies that directly or indirectly affect the development of tourism in Nigeria?
2. How do government policies impact tourism in Nigeria?
3. What are the challenges faced by the tourism sector in Nigeria due to government policies?

1.4       Research Hypothesis

H0: There is no significant relationship between government policies and development of tourism in Nigeria.

H1: There is a significant relationship between government policies and development of tourism in Nigeria.

2.0       Literature Review

One of the sectors with the quickest rate of growth in the globe is tourism, which also provides a sizable amount of employment and foreign cash for many nations (Elliott, 2020). It’s among the most astounding social and economic developments in history. The term “tour” comes from the Latin word “tornus,” which means “a procedure for forming a circle.” Tourism is the movement of individuals for the sole purpose of leisure and enjoyment from their habitual place of residence to another location with the intention of returning for a minimum of twenty-four hours and a maximum of six months (Diaz-Soria, 2018).

2.1       Tourism Development in Nigeria

Nigeria has diverse tourist attractions, including long, spacious river and ocean beaches that are ideal for swimming (Ijeomah et al., 2019). Other attractions include water sports, diverse unique wildlife, beautiful unspoiled nature ranging from tropical forest and magnificent waterfalls. Certain regions of the nation have particularly pleasant conducive climates for holidaying, and there are some new, swiftly growing cities. Additional draws include the preservation of traditional lifestyles through local customs, a wide variety of beautiful handicrafts and vibrant goods that showcase indigenous arts and way of life (Nana and Daniel, 2023).

2.2       Government Policies and Tourism Development

Government is the primary element of tourism growth and development (Retnosary and Salleh, 2020), and it has traditionally taken a more interventionist approach than in other sectors (Elliott, 2020). The government regulates the sector through official ministries, other organisations, laws, and a variety of programmes and financial efforts (Liu et al., 2020), as well as intervening in tourism for environmental, political, and economic reasons. According to Vujko and Gajić, (2014), government plays seven responsibilities in tourist development: coordination, planning, law and regulation, entrepreneurship, stimulation, social tourism, and public interest protection. Historically, governments have intervened in tourism mostly due to economic concerns.

2.3       Theoretical Review

According to elite theory, a comparatively small and wealthy group of individuals with comparable beliefs and interests control all political power (Parmigiani, 2022). Several prominent figures with significant social responsibilities are frequently chosen from the upper classes of the society. They are in charge of the public and private sectors of the economy as well as the government. The theory believe that a small group of influential people with substantial economic and political influence are responsible for shaping and influencing government policy.

2.4       Empirical Review

Vujko and Gajić, 2014 examined the impact of government policies on economic development in tourism in the republic of Serbia.  The study found a direct positive relationship between residents’ perceptions of the benefits of tourism and their political support. The study concluded that government policies in tourism can have a significant impact on economic development. The positive relationship between residents’ perceptions and political support suggests that involving local residents in tourism projects can contribute to their success.

3.0       Methodology of Data Analysis

3.1       Research Design

Research design is the framework of research methods and techniques chosen by a researcher to conduct a study. The design allows researchers to sharpen the research methods suitable for the subject matter and set up their studies for success. The research design process is a systematic and structured approach to conducting research. The process is essential to ensure that the study is valid, reliable, and produces meaningful results. The study will employ a combination of quantitative methods (statistics and web analysis) and qualitative methods (interviews, discussion and written documents).

3.2       Research Context

The study will concentrate on the relationships between government policies and the Nigerian tourism sector. Information will be gathered from a range of tourism sector participants, such as tourist, travel agencies, local governments, communities and publish articles.

3.3       Ethical Procedure

Ethical considerations in research are a set of principles that guide a research designs and practices. These principles include voluntary participation, informed consent, anonymity, confidentiality, potential for harm, and results communication (Suri, 2020). In this study, ethical considerations will be prioritized throughout the research process.Informed consent will be obtained from participants before data collection.

3.4       Methods of data Collection

For this study, primary data will be gathered through structured questionnaires while secondary data on government policies and the growth of tourism in Nigeria will be collected from reports, official papers, and published articles.

3.5       Method of data Analysis

Statistical software, such as SPSS, will be used to analyse quantitative data obtained through questionnaires and qualitative data collected from tourist. The data will be presented and summarised using descriptive statistics. The relationship between governmental policies and the growth of tourism will be investigated using inferential statistics, such as regression and correlation analysis.

4.0       Significance of research

This research is of high importance as it provides practical insight into the effects government policy on the development of tourism in Nigeria considering factors that can encourage better tourist centers in Nigeria.

4.1       Provisional Work schedule

References

Diaz-Soria, I., 2018. Being a tourist as a chosen experience in a proximity destination. In Proximity and Intraregional Aspects of Tourism (pp. 93-114). Routledge.

Elliott, J., 2020. Tourism: Politics and public sector management. Routledge.

Ijeomah, H.M., Abubarkar, S.I., Ezeano, C.I. and Adetola, B.O., 2019. Assessment of Tourist Attraction and Satisfaction in Selected Eco-destinations in Lagos State, Nigeria. African Journal of Agriculture, Technology and Environment, 8(1), pp.85-104.

Liu, C., Dou, X., Li, J. and Cai, L.A., 2020. Analyzing government role in rural tourism development: An empirical investigation from China. Journal of Rural Studies, 79, pp.177-188.

Nana, A.E. and Daniel, U.S., 2023. HARNESSING CULTURE AND TOURISM FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. AKU: An African Journal of Contemporary Research, 4(4).

ODUNTAN, O.C., 2021. Influence of Waterfalls as Tourist Destinations On The Livelihood Outcome of Rural Households in Southwestern Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation).

Oloidi, A.J., 2019. National tourism policy in Nigeria: Issues and the way forward. In Beyond Rhetoric and Idealism: Propelling a Pragmatic and Sustainable Tourism Industry in Nigeria, Proceedings of the 4th Biennial Multidisciplinary Conference Proceedings of the Association for Tourism Development in Nigeria (ATDiN), 10th–13th November (pp. 23-33).

Onor, S., 2015. Cross River Tourism, History and Environment: A Marriage Contracted in the Womb of Time. Global Journal of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, 3(12), pp.41-9.

Parmigiani, A., 2022. The political power of economic elites in contemporary Western democracies (No. 14). UNRISD Occasional Paper.

Retnosary, R. and Salleh, N.Z.B.M., 2020, August. Government responsibility as the main stakeholder in tourism development with collaboration approach: Literature review on heritage tourism. In 3rd Asia Pacific Management Research Conference (APMRC 2019) (pp. 18-22). Atlantis Press.

Suri, H., 2020. Ethical considerations of conducting systematic reviews in educational research. Systematic reviews in educational research: Methodology, perspectives and application, pp.41-54.

Telfer, D.J. and Sharpley, R., 2015. Tourism and development in the developing world. Routledge.

Vujko, A. and Gajić, T., 2014. The government policy impact on economic development of tourism. Економика пољопривреде, 61(3), pp.789-804.