1.1 Introduction
Hospitality and tourism are among the fastest-growing sectors globally, playing a vital role in economic development, cultural exchange, and social integration. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2022), tourism is defined as the activities of persons traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business, or other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited. Similarly, hospitality refers to the provision of services such as accommodation, food, and entertainment to individuals or groups away from their homes (Walker, 2021).
In recent decades, the hospitality and tourism industry has evolved into a significant contributor to the global economy. It is serving as a source of employment, foreign exchange earnings, and infrastructure development. In many developing nations, including Nigeria, the sector is viewed as a potential alternative to oil revenue and a catalyst for sustainable development (Okafor & Nnadi, 2020).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The hospitality and tourism industry is widely recognized as one of the most significant drivers of economic development and social transformation worldwide. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC, 2023), the sector contributes approximately 10% to global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for one in every ten jobs created across the world. The industry serves as a catalyst for income generation, employment creation, and infrastructure development, particularly in developing nations where diversification away from traditional sectors like agriculture and oil is increasingly necessary. Tourism and hospitality are deeply intertwined sectors, each reinforcing the growth of the other. Walker (2021) asserted that hospitality encompasses the provision of accommodation, food, and recreational services to guests, while tourism involves the movement of people from one location to another for leisure, business, or cultural exploration. The success of tourism activities is therefore largely dependent on the efficiency and quality of hospitality services. As such, both industries operate within a complex system that requires strong institutional support and effective policy frameworks to ensure sustainable growth.
Adewale (2019) stated that the sustainability of the hospitality and tourism sector depends largely on how well government policies are designed and implemented. The author reported that poor policy formulation, weak implementation, and lack of stakeholder engagement are among the major factors undermining the sector's potential in many developing countries.
Okonkwo (2020) affirmed that the absence of coherent and integrated policies is leading to uncoordinated development and inefficiencies across the industry, resulting in lost economic opportunities and declining competitiveness. On the other hand, Eze and Nwosu (2019) contended that where policies exist, they often fail to achieve desired outcomes due to inadequate funding, political interference, and poor institutional capacity. They emphasized that sustainable tourism development requires policies that are evidence-based, inclusive, and environmentally conscious. Similarly, Mensah (2020) reported that countries with well-structured tourism policies, such as South Africa, Singapore, and Malaysia, have recorded higher levels of tourism growth, improved infrastructure, and better environmental management compared to nations with weak or fragmented policies.
Furthermore, Oluwafemi (2022) asserted that the hospitality and tourism industry is not only an economic venture but also a social and environmental system that requires a balance between profitability and sustainability. This implies that policies must address environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community empowerment alongside economic objectives. Okafor and Nnadi (2020) stated that in Nigeria, the tourism sector has remained largely underdeveloped due to inconsistent policies, poor infrastructural development, and lack of synergy among government agencies.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2022), sustainable tourism policies must integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions to ensure long-term benefits. This includes frameworks that encourage responsible investment, strengthen institutional coordination, and promote local participation in tourism development. The effectiveness of such policies determines the resilience and adaptability of the hospitality and tourism industry in the face of global challenges such as climate change, insecurity, and economic fluctuations. This study is set against the backdrop of the need to comparatively examine how effective policy frameworks serve as a panacea for the sustainable development of the hospitality and tourism industry.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that many operators in the sector focus on short-term profitability without aligning their operations with sustainable practices that ensure future viability. On the other hand, where policies exist, they are often reactive rather than proactive, thereby limiting their effectiveness in addressing the complexities of modern tourism and hospitality management (Adeleke & Musa, 2021).
In addition, issues relating to environmental degradation, insecurity, and poor infrastructure are compounding the challenges facing the hospitality and tourism industry. Effective policies are required to address these multidimensional problems through a holistic framework that integrates sustainability principles into planning and implementation. Without effective and consistent policies, the industry risks stagnation and loss of competitiveness both locally and globally (Oluwafemi, 2022).
Furthermore, policy inconsistency is leading to fragmented growth within the industry, where some regions experience development while others remain underutilized. The lack of coordination between tourism and other supporting sectors such as transport, environment, and education is resulting in missed opportunities for synergy and inclusive development (Eze & Nwosu, 2019). It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to examine the need for effective policies as a panacea for a sustainable hospitality and tourism industry.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The main aim of this study is to comparatively analyze the need for effective policies as a solution for achieving sustainability in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The specific objectives are to:
- Examine existing policy frameworks governing the hospitality and tourism industry.
- Evaluate the impact of policy effectiveness on the sustainable development of the sector.
- Compare policy practices between selected regions or organizations within Nigeria.
- Identify challenges arising from policy inconsistency and weak implementation.
- Propose recommendations for developing and enforcing effective policies to enhance sustainability.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, this study seeks to answer the following research questions:
- What existing policy frameworks govern the hospitality and tourism industry?
- How does policy effectiveness influence the sustainability of the hospitality and tourism sector?
- What differences exist in policy practices across selected regions or organizations in Nigeria?
- What are the key challenges resulting from policy inconsistency and weak implementation?
- What policy strategies should be adopted to promote sustainable hospitality and tourism growth?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
Based on the stated objectives, the research study formulates the following hypotheses:
- H0: Effective policy implementation has no significant impact on the sustainable development of the hospitality and tourism industry
- H1: Effective policy implementation has a significant positive impact on the sustainable development of the hospitality and tourism industry.
1.6 Significance of Study
The outcome of this research will guide the creation and implementation of coherent policies aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and hospitality practices. Furthermore, the findings will guide institutional reforms that will ensure long-term competitiveness and resilience of the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria.
Lastly, the research study will also serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers interested in sustainable development and governance within the sector.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of this research is focused on the need for effective policies as a panacea for sustainable hospitality and tourism industry. The study will be limited to selected hospitality and tourism establishments in Lagos State, Nigeria, including hotels, travel agencies, and government tourism departments.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
A study of this nature is bound to experience certain problems as such the constraints imposed on the research include:
- Time Constraints: A study of this nature needs relatively long time during which information for accurate or at least near accurate inference could be drawn. The period of the study was short, time posed as constraints to the research.
- Financial Constraints: The research would have extended the survey to other area at the empirical level, but limitation as included cost of transportation to the source of material and the cost of time setting of the already completed work.
- Lack of Cooperation: Many of the respondents are usually aggressive on issue that border cooperation among the respondents border.
- Response Bias: The study will involve surveys and interviews with cooperative managers and members. Response bias may occur if respondents provide socially desirable answers or if there is reluctance to disclose negative financial information due to privacy concerns or fear of repercussions.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Hospitality Industry:
According to Walker (2021), the hospitality industry refers to the provision of services such as accommodation, food, beverages, and recreation to guests or travelers for comfort and leisure.
Tourism Industry:
The tourism industry encompasses all activities related to people traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business, or cultural purposes (UNWTO, 2022).
Policy:
A policy is a deliberate system of principles or actions adopted by a government or organization to guide decisions and achieve rational outcomes (Adewale, 2019).
Sustainability:
Sustainability refers to meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs (Brundtland Commission, 1987).
Effective Policy:
Effective policy refers to a policy that achieves its intended goals through proper design, stakeholder inclusion, and efficient implementation (Mensah, 2020).
Comparative Study:
A comparative study is a research approach that examines similarities and differences across two or more cases to identify patterns and best practices (Oluwafemi, 2022).
…
