This study examined the physical characteristics of lakes and their suitability for ecotourism development in Cross River State, Nigeria. Lakes possess significant ecological and aesthetic attributes that can support sustainable tourism and socioeconomic development when properly managed. However, many lakes in Cross River State remain underutilized despite their rich natural resources and tourism potential. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design involving 350 respondents selected from six lake communities: Kwa Falls Lake, Egwebe Lake, Refome Lake, Ejagham Lake, Nkum Apambe Lake, and the Afi River Wetland/Lake System. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency, percentages, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings revealed that the selected lakes possess attractive physical features such as forest vegetation, scenic landscapes, wetlands, biodiversity, and freshwater resources that enhance their ecotourism suitability. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a strong positive relationship between the physical characteristics of lakes and their suitability for ecotourism development (r = 0.890, p < 0.05). The study also identified poor infrastructure, environmental degradation, and inadequate government support as key factors limiting effective utilization of the lakes for tourism purposes. The study concluded that the physical and ecological qualities of the lakes provide a strong foundation for ecotourism development in Cross River State. It recommended improved infrastructure, environmental conservation, and integrated tourism planning to enhance sustainable lake-based ecotourism development.
Opue et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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