TOURISM AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The role of tourism in regional development cannot be overemphasized. Tourism is an important driver of economic, social and political development of any region. It is one of the significant ways to open up rural areas especially in the provision of infrastructures. Tourism and regional development increase the potentials of growth within regions by reducing poverty and inequality. This paper examines the geographical perspective of tourism and regional development towards a sustainable economy. The paper critically reviews the concepts of tourism, development and regional development; analyses the theories of regional development; assesses tourism and regional imbalance in development; discusses the relationship between tourism and regional development; examines the impact of tourism on regional development and highlights the challenges confronting regional tourism development. The paper concludes by emphasizing on the need for government to present policies and programmes that will assist in the improvement and development of regional tourism and tourism as a whole through provision of necessary and adequate infrastructure.