Evaluating the influence of ecotourism attributes of Osun Osogbo sacred grove on tourists’ motivations for visiting

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the influence of the ecotourism attributes of Osun Osogbo sacred grove on tourist motivation for visiting. Data were collected through direct observation and administration of structured questionnaire. The sample size was 250 tourists to the site. Data were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics. According to the results of the findings, the sites historical background (43.1%), easy accessibility (37.3%), good value for cost (44.6%), famous of the site (65.5%), ability to visit a sacred place (52.2%), perfect weather (45.0%), walk around in nature (46.3%), past experiences (42.8%), ability to see the landscape (52.40%), cultural sites (41.8%), bird watching (38.6%), monkeys (41.4%) and water body (40.2%) were seen to be influencing tourists to visit the site. The results also indicate that the main push factors that were seen as motivating tourists were the need to take a break from normal daily activities (61.9%), learn about the environment (43.2%), meet new people with similar interests (37.2%), experience the atmosphere (49.00%), escape from psychological stress (44.0%), see a place with lots of attractions (52.2%), and visit a place I haven't been before (48.8%). to experience a different lifestyle (44.3%), to have fun and be entertained (44.6%), to get away from everyday responsibilities (37.3%), to strengthen relationships with family and friends (40.7%), and to get a better appreciation for nature (53.3%). Management should therefore pay attention to the improvement of these features so as to improve the destination’s competitiveness in the tourism market.