CULTURAL TOURISM AND RESIDENTS’ QUALITY OF LIFE IN BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study was carried out primarily to investigate the relationship between cultural tourism and sustainable development in Bayelsa State. The specific objectives of the study were to;i. Assess the relationship between Artifacts Presentation and Residents’ Quality of Life, ii., Ascertain the relationship between Historical Sites/Monuments and Residents’ Quality of Life. The population of study was known (based on census data(). Consequently, the sample size of 400 determined using Taro Yamane formula for sample size determination from a finite population. Primary data was utilized in the study. Primary data were collected a well-structured questionnaire and administered to the residents of three local government areas (Brass, Ogbia and Nembe) in order to achieve true representation in Bayelsa State. The questionnaire was validated through face and, content validity. Statistical tools for data analyses included descriptive analysis and Simple Regression Analysis. Major findings showed that artifacts presentation and Historical Sites/Monuments had positive and significant relationship with residents’ quality of life in Bayelsa State. The study concluded that effective marketing of cultural tourism engenders sustainable development. It was therefore recommended that the Bayelsa state government of Nigeria is should establish Bayelsa State Destination Marketing Management Organization (DMMO) in consultation with tourism stakeholders in the State, the DMMO should be strengthened with the tourism management experts and budgetary allocations to promote efficiency, and the DMMO should make efforts towards marketing the cultural tourism products in the state