Abstract

The study examined ecotourism activities and income generation in the Park. Information were obtained from the Park Research and Information Units, Park Annual Reports and Ecotourism Department of the Park. Questionnaires were also distributed to the Park staff including the Director. Records for sixteen years were provided on the arrival of tourists, income generation and the major sources of revenue in the Park. A total of 39,158 tourists visited the Park, while total revenue of N36,096.80 was generated for the past sixteen years. The five major sources of revenue in the Park include accommodation, park entry, catering service, hire assets and others. The highest income of N6,033,276.27 was generated from accommodation for the past five years (2002 - 2006). This was followed by other sources which recorded N4,171,663.44, catering service with N2,846,604.47; park entry with N2,129,553.60 and lastly hire assets with N1,720,764.50. This study revealed that ecotourism activities and income generation in the park have shown a continuous trend in development and much greater hope for future.

Key words: Ecotourism, income, annual report, accommodation, catering, park entry, hire assets, tourists.