Informal Economic Sector and Sport Tourism: A Case Study of 2009 FIFA World Cup, Ijebu Ode Sub Seat
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Date
2010-09-01
Authors
Orelaja, O. P.
Adejumo, O. T.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Lagos
Abstract
Sport tourism is a social, economic and cultural developmental phenomenon arising from the unique interaction of sporting activities, people and place. The synergy between sports and tourism facilitates local economy by stimulating goods and services small scale enterprises on an informal scale. Such grassroot leisure industry is underpinned by the concept of ‘pro poor tourism’. Pro Poor Tourism (PPT) is not another form of tourism but an approach that seeks to utilize tourism as strategic tool to alleviate poverty among the marginalized members of the communities. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of competitive sports tourism industry on informal economic sector activities using the recently concluded 2009 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) U-17 World Cup tagged “Nigeria 2009” at Ijebu-Ode sub seat as a case study.
Questionnaires and observation were the instruments used to obtain the data from informal economic sector operators within 1km radius stipulated by FIFA. Structured interview of stakeholders and opinion leaders were conducted.
Five informal sector activities including the food and beverages; art and entertainment; memorabilia; transport; and affordable accommodation were identified. Financial gain increased remarkably for all the identified sectors during the event especially intra city transportation operators and food and beverages services. But over 90% of the souvenirs were from Lagos and Abeokuta. Study also revealed that there was increase in total workforce in various informal businesses during the event. Despite the level of preparation, community participation involving Chamber of Commerce, the various artisan groups and service provider cooperatives were not carried along.
The extent to which the potential benefits of sports tourism accrue to local communities depends on the economic and social culture of the community. The hosting of the 2009 Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) U-17 World Cup tagged “Nigeria 2009” is undeniably a definitive moment for sports tourism in Nigeria. This paper observed that if the gap between Local Organizing Committee and local stakeholders is closed, then benefits accrued to the local economy will increase. The paper recommends the need for a concerted effort between sport ministry and government tourism agencies to draw-up policies that will accommodate vibrant informal sector as a tool for poverty alleviation
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Informal Sector , Sport , Tourism , Pro-poor , Research Subject Categories::TECHNOLOGY::Civil engineering and architecture
Citation
Orelaja O.P., Adejumo O. T. (2010). Informal Economic Sector and Sport Tourism: A Case Study of 2009 FIFA World Cup, Ijebu Ode Sub Seat. The Lagos Journal of Environmental Studies. Vol. 7(2), pp58-70