GBANDI Eleazar Chibuzor PhD1 & ILAVBARE Bashiru Eraigba2
1Department of Marketing
2Department of Business Administration
Faculty of Management Sciences
University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State
1eleazar.gbandi@uniben.edu; 2bashirilavbare @gmail.com
Abstract
This study is an exploratory study on marketing Edo State as a destination for tourism. Despite Edo state’s natural endowment with rich tourists sites throughout the geopolitical zones and great cultural diversity, the industry is yet to receive adequate attention in terms of policy formulation and implementation by the state government by giving the tourism sector its desired priority in terms of development and marketing strategy for a local attraction. The study aims to identify some major tourist destinations that could be marketed in Edo state, Nigeria. In the actualization of this objective, numerous tourist attraction centres and their locations were where identified. The study proposed the use of marketing strategies to create awareness and commercialize these centres to enhance the well-being and economic life of individuals, businesses and the state. The study opines that this will in no small measure bring about the development of tourism in Edo state as it will contribute to the socio-economic development of the people and state by boosting government revenue and increasing incomes for individuals and businesses. It will also help in employment generation to support businesses in the industry and ensure rapid business growth and economic development. The study recommends the use of marketing strategies such as Product development, and digital marketing through the use of social media and publicity aids-books, periodicals, brochures, posters, hand-outs, press releases, audiovisuals, websites, as well as sales promotion, advertising methods, and public relations which need to meet international standards. In addition, stakeholders such as the state government, the community and business organisations should be involved in the development and marketing of tourism in Edo State.
Keywords: Marketing, Destination, Tourism, Edo State
