Assessment of the Role of Travel Agencies in Promoting Domestic Tourism in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

This study assesses the role of travel agencies in promoting domestic tourism in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria, a state positioned at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers and home to Lokoja colonial heritage sites. Despite its tourism potential, domestic tourist arrivals in Kogi remain low relative to comparable states. The study adopts a descriptive survey design with data gathered from 15 registered travel agencies in Lokoja and 120 clients through structured questionnaires and interviews. Variables examined include the scope of domestic travel packages offered, marketing strategies employed, barriers to domestic tourism promotion, and client satisfaction with agency services. Findings reveal that only 33 percent of packages marketed by Kogi-based agencies focus on domestic destinations within the state, with the majority promoting interstate or international travel. Affordability concerns, inadequate tourism infrastructure, and the absence of compelling bundled domestic tour packages are identified as key barriers. Clients express moderate satisfaction with agency services but desire more tailored domestic options. The study recommends that travel agencies in Kogi State partner with the state tourism board to develop attractively priced domestic packages highlighting the Niger-Benue confluence and colonial heritage sites. Subsidised domestic tourism incentives from state government are also proposed to stimulate demand and increase domestic arrivals. Keywords: travel agencies, domestic tourism, Kogi State, tourism promotion, Nigeria