Perception of tourists on air transportation service qualities and performance in Nigeria

Abstract

Air transport plays a vital role in the tourism industry, and understanding tourists’ perceptions of its influence is crucial for tourism development. This study seeks to investigate tourists’ perceptions of air transport and tourism performance, using Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, Nigeria, as a case study. The study surveyed 289 tourists using purposeful sampling techniques and analyzed the collected data using Stata for both descriptive and inferential statistics. We used frequencies, tables, charts, mean, and standard deviation to describe the data, and employed the stepwise multiple regression model to explain tourists' perceptions of tourism performance. The result shows that tourists perceive air transport as a significant factor influencing their overall travel experience and tourism performance. Key aspects of air transport influencing tourism activities include convenience, accessibility, frequency, reliability, cost-effectiveness, comfort, and speed. The study identifies reducing delays and cancellations, enhancing airport facilities, and improving ground transportation options. These findings have implications for airport transport management, airlines, and tourism stakeholders seeking to enhance the tourism experience and promote destination competitiveness.