Tourism Mobility and the Challenges of Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) in Nigeria

Abstract

People have always been on the move throughout human history for diverse reasons including economic, political, social, and religious. Tourism, which entails relocating from one location to another for pleasure, is another factor in human migration. Nigeria has adopted measures to lessen the effects of Covid-19 on aspects of tourism including air travel, hospitality, leisure, and entertainment. This study focuses on the Covid-19 outbreak in Nigeria, with reference to Osun state. The difficulties of mobility as they relate to tourism, as well as the survival challenges of its allied industries are also investigated. The study relied on primary data and a descriptive research design. In-depth interviews with important informants, primarily from the tourism business, were also conducted. This was augmented with secondary data, and the results were then thematically and content-analyzed. According to the study's results, the hospitality, transportation, and entertainment sectors saw low patronage and revenue losses. But when business owners' expenses and obligations grew, they were forced to take drastic actions, including downsizing and firm closure, among others. In conclusion, methods other than monetary and fiscal stimulus were advised for business owners in order to maintain employment in this crucial and labour-intensive area of the economy.

Key words: Tourism, Corona-virus diseases, Tourism Mobility Challenges, Small and Medium Businesses.