PROPOSED WARM-SPRING RESORT Hotels and Suites

A THESIS PROPOSAL

ON

PROPOSED WARM-SPRING RESORT HOTELs and suites:

HARNESSING NATURE THROUGH TOURISM

By

BAYODE, O. Olakunle

ARC/01/9215

SUBMITTED TO

THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE,

SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES,

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, AKURE, ONDO STATE

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF TECHNOLOGY IN ARCHITECTURE

COURSE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (ARC 805)

LECTURER: PROF. O. OGUNSOTE

MARCH, 2008

ABSTRACT

Accommodation is lodging in a dwelling or similar living quarters afforded to travelers in hotels or on cruise ships, or prisoners, etc. Resorthotelsusually are located in seaside, lake, or mountain areas, and they cater to tourists and vacationers. Resorts provide all hotel services plus recreational and athletic activities. The provision and improvement of good road network, mass transit system and signposting obviously aid accessibility and accommodation of visitors and tourist can effectively enhance the advantage of increased level of visitors by channeling tourist to those areas that can best accommodate them.

This research examines beauty in nature, historical development of tourism and resorts in global trends and in Nigeria context, which took off in 1958 when an advisory committee was set up by the federal government to look into means by which the tourism industry could be promoted. It also identifies tourism policy in Nigeria that was formed in 1990 to serve as means of developing tourism economically, socially and politically. This research also looks at the types of tourism and resorts, resort hotels and resort centers in Nigeria and also the impact of tourism on the economy of the host town.

Tourism and architecture combine do not only provide an environment that influence the behaviour of human. Architectural designs thus have consequence for experience and behaviour; the design of a resort hotel that is aimed at harnessing nature and consequently improve productivity and creativity can be achieved through some characteristic features of such building. The building should be designed to be a viable and flexible one; it should reflect an atmosphere that depicts beauty, comfort, accommodation and relaxation. This research also examines the problems militating against the development of tourism and other factors such as problem of accommodation and publicity.

Table of contents

ABSTRACT 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

1.0 INTRODUCTION 4

1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM 5

1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE RESEARCH 6

1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY 6

1.4 SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH 7

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 8

2.1 HOTEL DEVELOPMENT 8

2.1.1 HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN NIGERIA 9

2.1.2 NIGERIA HOTELS 10

2.2 TOURISM 10

2.2.1 HISTORY OF TOURISM 11

2.2.2 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA 13

2.2.3 PREREQUISITES 15

2.4 RESORT 15

2.4.1 NIGERIA RESORTS 16

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 17

4.0 EXPECTED RESULT AND CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE 18

REFERENCES 19

1.0 Introduction

Human activity is rarely considered natural unless qualified in ways such as "human nature" or "the whole of nature". Conversely, "nature" may refer to the "natural environment" or wilderness, meaning areas of Earth which have not been substantially altered by human intervention. In general, nature includes all phenomena independent of human intervention, and is defined over the complete range of length scales. At the macroscopic scale, nature includes astronomical objects, outer space and the structure of the universe, while at the subatomic scale; nature includes fundamental descriptions of the matter and energy from which the universe is composed. (“Nature”, 2008)

Tourism in Nigeria is growing rapidly and it is among the tourism industry is a good revenue earner for the country. Nigeria has a wide range of tourist activities to offer. It is a coastal country and the main attraction for the tourists is the long beaches and the marine activities. Apart from this, the other attractions are the historical monuments, exciting trips to the tropical forests, exploring the wildlife, art and culture and the lifestyle of the country. The traditions and culture of Nigeria represents the simplicity in the lifestyle of the dwellers. The markets of Nigeria showcase the handicrafts and sculptures, the hotels and other accommodation facilities represent the warm hospitality and local customs and the calm and peaceful environment enhances into the beauty of the country. These factors make the memories of Nigeria tour everlasting.

Tourism is vital for many countries, due to the large intake of money for businesses with their goods and services and the opportunity for employment in the service industries associated with tourism. These service industries include transportation services such as cruise ships and taxis, accommodation such as hotels and entertainment venues, and other hospitality industry services such as resorts.

Before people are able to experience tourism they usually need discretionary income (i.e. money to spend on non-essentials); time off from work or other responsibilities; leisure time, tourism infrastructure, such as transport and accommodation; and legal clearance to travel. (“Tourism”, 2008)

A resort is a place used for relaxation or recreation, attracting visitors for holidays or vacations. Resorts are places, towns or sometimes commercial establishment operated by a single company. Such a self-contained resort attempts to provide for most of a vacationer's wants while remaining on the premises, such as food, drink, lodging, sports, entertainment, and shopping. The term "resort" sometimes is misused to identify a hotel that does not provide the other amenities required of a full resort. However, a hotel is frequently a central feature of a resort, such as the Grand Hotel at Mackinac Island, Michigan. (“Resort”, 2008) A hotel is a commercialestablishment that provides lodging, food, and other services to the public. The hotel is an important industry in many countries, especially in those attracting a large tourist trade. Hotels can be classified according to location, facilities and services offered, and clientele served. (“Hotel”, n.d.)

1.1 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Although humans currently comprise only about one-half of one percent of the total living biomass on Earth, the human effect on nature is disproportionately large. Because of the extent of human influence, the boundaries between what we regard as nature and "made environments" is not clear cut except at the extremes. Even at the extremes, the amount of natural environment that is free of discernible human influence is presently diminishing at an increasingly rapid pace, or, according to some, has already disappeared. (“Nature”, 2008)

Negation by past Governments has been the basic factor militating against the growth and development of ikangosi warm spring in Ekiti State. Past Governments has failed to realize the importance of tourism to the development of the economy, this can be seen as the potentials that ikangosi warm spring possess has not been fully utilized. Also faced with the problem of accommodation where tourist could lodge and the distance from the state capital coupled with bad road network and nonchalant attitude of the government towards development, Ikangosi warm spring has not been recognized globally and locally.

This research will focus on the development of Ikangosi warm spring. It will also suggest ways of making the resort a globally recognized one

1.2 Aim and objective of the research

The aim of the research is to design a resort hotel where tourist visiting the Ikangosi warm spring can lodge so as to meet national and global standard, which in turn will help to improve tourism and harnessing what nature has to offer.

The objectives of the research are:

1.  To improve the quality of Ikangosi warm spring thereby, consequently developing tourism in Ekiti state.

2.  To propose an architectural piece that will be aesthetically pleasing and also form the basis of future development of resorts and tourism in the state.

3.  To adequate harness the beauty of nature, this can improve creativity and productivity of visitors.

4.  To promote tourism industry in the state and in Nigeria at large as it has become more imperative particularly now that the country is seeking to open up new centers to the outside world for marketing her growing industries.

5.  To improve the economy base of the state and the nation by maximizing the benefits derived from tourism.

1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

Beauty in nature has long been a common theme in life and in art, and books emphasizing beauty in nature fill large sections of libraries and bookstores. That nature has been depicted and celebrated by so much art, photography, poetry and other literature shows the strength with which many people associate nature and beauty.

The scientist does not study nature because it is useful; they studies it because they delights in it, and they delights in it because it is beautiful. If nature were not beautiful, it would not be worth knowing, and if nature were not worth knowing, life would not be worth living. (“Nature”, 2008)

Humans employ nature for both leisure and economic activities. The acquisition of natural resources for industrial use remains a primary component of the world's economic system. Some activities, such as hunting and fishing, are used for both sustenance and leisure, often by different people.

This research therefore attempts to look at Ikangosi warm spring in it natural form, what it has to offer the number of tourist that will be visiting in the near future and as such propose a standard resort hotel to accommodate the tourist visiting the place, with the theme “harnessing nature through tourism”.

1.4 Scope OF THE research

The research will be carried out in Ikangosi-Ekiti in Ekiti State where the warm spring resort is located and it will encompasses all aspect of resort, tourism and hotel design and management.

For the purpose of this research references will be made to resort hotel, chalets and tourism as the three terms all go hand in hand with each other.

2.0 Literature review

2.1 Hotel development

Innshaveservedtravelers since ancient times. The emergence of the hotel as a significant commercial institution, however, is a development of the past few centuries and may be traced by example in the U.S. The location of hotels has always been related to the transportation available. During colonial times hotels were usually situated in seaport towns, but by the end of the 18th century, when the stagecoach had increased travel within the U.S., many inns and taverns were constructed to offer lodgings along highway routes. After the construction of railroads in the 19th century, larger hotels were built near railroad stations to accommodate railway travelers. Standards of service and comfort rose appreciably and in the larger cities the types of lodging offered by certain hotels became luxurious. The old Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and the Brown Palace in Denver, Colorado, were among the first such luxury hotels, but their rates were too high for the average traveler. Shortly before World War I large hotels offering many services at prices within the reach of middle-income groups were constructed. The first such institution was the Statler Hotel in Buffalo, New York, which opened in 1908. For years it served as a model for other large-city transient hotels.

Thegeneralprosperity following World War I made travel possible for more people, and the volume of hotel construction increased greatly. Because of the growing importance of business travel, most new hotels were situated near central business areas. During this period the tourist court, the direct antecedent of the motel, was established; most offered only minimal accommodations and no luxuries. (“Hotel”, n.d.)

Inthe1920s,professional schools of hotel management were created to prepare Americans for positions in the industry. Technical schools were also established to train skilled employees such as chefs. Today many colleges and universities offer a degree in hotel administration, and trade schools provide courses in both hotel and restaurant work. European-trained personnel also go to the U.S. to work in the hotel industry, where their skills are welcomed. (“Hotel”, n.d.)

Anothersignificanttrend begun in the 1920s was toward corporate rather than individual ownership of hotels. This was the result of the steadily increasing costs of building and operating hotels. Chain operation in the hotel and motel industry is a continuing trend in the U.S. and abroad. It allows for efficient management through the use of mass purchasing, central reservations and billings, and extensive advertising and promotion campaigns. Today about 30 percent of all American hotels and motels are affiliated with chains or franchised groups. (“Hotel”, n.d.)

DuringWorldWarIIthe hotel business flourished. No new hotels were built, but existing establishments were occupied nearly to capacity at all times. Because of the growing importance of automobile travel soon after World War II, almost all the new hotels built then were located near highways. By the late 1950s motels began to rival hotels by offering a broader range of services and facilities. Motels have increased greatly in number during the last 30 years, and the number of hotels has decreased somewhat. Today the motor hotel, offering the convenience of the motel and the service of the hotel, is becoming popular. More efficient transportation and the growing importance of air travel have reduced the need for accommodations along highways. Motor hotels are now being built within the boundaries of large cities and near airports. To deal with stiffer competition, a growing trend has been for hotels and motels to offer greater conveniences, such as faxing and photocopying for business travelers. Low hotel occupancy rates in the 1970s led to the development of budget motels, with cheaper lodging and fewer amenities. Country inns and bed-and-breakfasts have also grown in popularity since the 1970s; often located in rural areas, they offer a homey atmosphere and personal service. (“Hotel”, n.d.)

2.1.1 Hotel accommodation in nigeria

Nigeria accommodation comprises of Nigeria hotels, Nigeria Resorts, and Nigeria Guest Houses. Hotels, resorts and guest houses are located in all the cities like Aba, Abuja, Benin, Ede, Epe, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt. Nigeria accommodation is a varying option for the tourist to Nigeria. Accommodations are available depending upon the budget and location the traveler chooses. (“Nigeria Accommodation”, n.d)

2.1.2 Nigeria Hotels

Nigeria hotels can be classified into different star categories. Some of the renowned hotels in Nigeria are:

• Abuja Sheraton Hotel – This is a 5 star hotel located in Ladi Kwali Way, Abuja, Nigeria. It has 540 well appointed rooms, 14 meeting rooms and 5 restaurants and bars
• Protea Hotel Oakwood Park – A 4 star hotel located in Chevron Drive, Lagos, Nigeria. The guests can choose from 59 double bedded rooms and 3 suites. The hotel has one 100 seater multi-cuisine restaurant, one bar, and a pool terrace.
• Protea Hotel Port Harcourt Apartment – This 5 star deluxe hotel with swimming pool and conference facilities is located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
• Protea Hotel Apo Apartment – This 3 star rated hotel has an assortment of accommodation: studio apartment, superior apartment, duplex apartment, superior duplex apartment, deluxe duplex apartment and 4 bed-roomed apartments. This hotel is located in Apo, Abuja, Nigeria.

2.2 Tourism