Effects of Flooding on Tourists' Hotel Accommodation in Lokoja Town, Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the effects of flooding on tourist hotel accommodation in Lokoja Town, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study examined the level of vulnerability, and identified challenges hindering the implementation of flood resilience measures. The study used descriptive survey research design. A sample of 182 out of 340 persons involved in the hospitality industry at 12 flood vulnerable hotels was selected. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 10 participants, who were also interviewed using an in-depth interview guide. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentages and mean were used to analyze quantitative data, and thematic analysis was used to complement the survey results with qualitative data. The results showed that the majority of the hotels at Lokoja are highly exposed to flooding, which is mainly attributed to the poor siting of hotels near the River Niger, poor drainage system and weak adherence to building regulations. The study also determined that lack of sufficient funds, technical expertise, and government support are significant challenges for effective flood resilience. It arrives at the conclusion that the vulnerability of hotels in Lokoja is as a result of environmental exposures and poor institutional capacity. The study suggests greater urban planning, building code enforcement, financial support and disaster preparedness training to increase the resilience of the hospitality industry.