Abstract JSSP

Location Suitability of Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Oyo State, Nigeria for Mountain Tourism.
A Geospatial Technology Approach

Oluwatobi E. OLANIYI1*, Busola G. BADA1
* Corresponding author
1 Federal University of Technology, Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Akure, NIGERIA
E-mail: oeolaniyi@futa.edu.ng
Pages: 51-60

Abstract. The study aimed to determine the location suitability of Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake (ASL) and its environs, Nigeria for mountain tourism using a geospatial technology approach as well as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to calculate the criteria evaluation weights. Secondary data collection and on-field observation methods were employed to collect the a spatial and spatial information on ecotourism attractions and support facilities of ASL. This paper employed five criteria (diversity, fragility, aesthetic, difficult access, niche) and seven factors to evaluate the suitable location for mountain tourism activities and development. A total of fourteen ecotourism attractions and support facilities were identified with predominant tourism and spiritual activities. The AHP results showed that the slope and terrain ruggedness had the maximum weights (27.87%), while the maximum rainfall had the minimum weights (4.05%). The largest portion (117.05 hectares, 61.40%) of ASL, associated with the front country zone, was found suitable for tourism activities and development. On the other hand, the smallest portion (0.18 hectares, 0.10%) was found suitable for tourism activities and development associated with the backcountry zone. However, ASL is rich in ecotourism attractions but with inadequate and poorly maintained support facilities to enhance the experience and satisfaction of mountain tourists. It is highly suitable for nature-oriented activities such as camping, hiking, native/ethnic culture, wildlife viewing and nature photography. Therefore, relevant authorities and other major stakeholders should adopt the location suitability models for the planning and development of mountain tourism in ASL.

K e y w o r d s: mountain tourism, analytic hierarchy process, Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Nigeria, analytical location finding, tourism planning








			Location Suitability of Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Oyo State, Nigeria for Mountain Tourism. A Geospatial Technology Approach Oluwatobi E. OLANIYI1, Busola G. BADA1 Corresponding author 1 Federal University of Technology, Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Akure, NIGERIA E-mail: oeolaniyi@futa.edu.ng Pages: 51-60 Abstract. The study aimed to determine the location suitability of Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake (ASL) and its environs, Nigeria for mountain tourism using a geospatial technology approach as well as the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to calculate the criteria evaluation weights. Secondary data collection and on-field observation methods were employed to collect the a spatial and spatial information on ecotourism attractions and support facilities of ASL. This paper employed five criteria (diversity, fragility, aesthetic, difficult access, niche) and seven factors to evaluate the suitable location for mountain tourism activities and development. A total of fourteen ecotourism attractions and support facilities were identified with predominant tourism and spiritual activities. The AHP results showed that the slope and terrain ruggedness had the maximum weights (27.87%), while the maximum rainfall had the minimum weights (4.05%). The largest portion (117.05 hectares, 61.40%) of ASL, associated with the front country zone, was found suitable for tourism activities and development. On the other hand, the smallest portion (0.18 hectares, 0.10%) was found suitable for tourism activities and development associated with the backcountry zone. However, ASL is rich in ecotourism attractions but with inadequate and poorly maintained support facilities to enhance the experience and satisfaction of mountain tourists. It is highly suitable for nature-oriented activities such as camping, hiking, native/ethnic culture, wildlife viewing and nature photography. Therefore, relevant authorities and other major stakeholders should adopt the location suitability models for the planning and development of mountain tourism in ASL. K e y w o r d s: mountain tourism, analytic hierarchy process, Ado-Awaye Suspended Lake, Nigeria, analytical location finding, tourism planning