Abstract: The changing demands of tourism provide greater benefits to tourists and generate competitive advantages that develop diversity in tourism. Bui National Park (BNP) has a wealth of natural, cultural, historical and lately, recreational features. However, its location, and the creation of the Bui Hydro dam, has opened the area as a significant tourism area. This paper tries to evaluate the potential and possibilities of ecotourism in this protected area; using SWOT analysis to assess and evaluate the potential the area has for ecotourism in terms of sustainable development to provide useful ideas for further research. A sample size of 30 respondents was selected using simple random sampling method to answer a guided questionnaire for selected community members and staff of Bui National Park. The results revealed that the residents of Bui were positive about the idea of ecotourism in the area and showed interest in doing what they can to make it possible. The national park also showed great potentials for ecotourism which when well-developed will attract many visitors to the area; all these are geared towards improving the local and national economy. The management of BNP should make an effort to increase the public awareness of the park as a tourism destination, adding more activities to help immerse visitors into the community and involve the community members in decision making in such a way that could help boost their ecotourism potential. An ecotourism research unit, if established in BNP can do more research in the various aspects in ecotourism.
Keywords: Tourism, Cultural resources, Ecotourism, Community, Hydro dam.
Title: ECOTOURISM POTENTIALS OF BUI NATIONAL PARK
Author: James Agyei-Ohemeng, Gillian Boamah Nyantakyiwaa, Sedegah Daniella
International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations
ISSN 2348-1218 (print), ISSN 2348-1226 (online)
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