Abstract
This paper examined the visitors’ awareness and perception of the role of regulatory and site management actions put in place at Ikogosi Warm water spring in Ekiti State to minimize recreation impacts. Sixty- six well-structured questionnaires were administered to randomly selected visitors. The demographic characteristics, visitation patterns, satisfaction as well as awareness and perception of effectiveness were critically examined. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the result obtained from the study. The results revealed that 66.7% which is a majority were first time visitors while, 22.7% of the 33.3% who were repeat visitors were revisiting for between 2 to 5 times. Majority (97%) of respondents were satisfied with their visit experience. Result obtained further showed that 87.9% of the visitors were aware of the regulatory and site management actions at the study area; with all (100%) the visitors acknowledging that they know that the issuing of tickets at the entrance was a regulatory action. The most recognised site management action by 77.3% of the visitors was regular waste disposal, while 81.8% believed the actions were important and 92.4% indicated that the actions were effective. In order to maintain a clean, organised and well monitored environment it is recommended that management of the study area ensure that the regulatory and site management actions are enforced especially through effective communication of the various regulatory and site management actions put in place.
Key Words: Ikogosi warm spring, Regulatory, Site Management, Visitors
Comments: no replies