ASSESSMENT OF TOURIST DETERMINANT TO MOUNTI PATI ATTRACTION AS A TOOL FOR TOURISM GROWTH IN KOGI STATE

The study was conducted to examine Assessment of Tourist Determinant to Mounti Pati Attraction as A Tool For Tourism Growth In Kogi State. The study objective is to examine Assessment of Tourist Determinant to Mounti Pati Attraction as A Tool For Tourism Growth In Kogi State. To direct the study research questions and hypotheses were formulated. The research was carried out using a sample of 80 respondents in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State. The main instrument used in data collection was questionnaire and 20 questionnaires were distributed out which 16 was completed and returned. The data were analyzed using simple percentages and tables and the hypotheses are tested using regression analysis. From the analysis of the data collected, the following findings were made that tourist satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship between destination determinants (such as accessibility, affordability, hospitality services, cultural attractions, and security) and tourism growth in Kogi State. The findings align with the expectancy-disconfirmation theory, which emphasizes that satisfaction occurs when perceived experience meets or exceeds expectations. In Kogi State, satisfied tourists were more likely to revisit destinations, recommend them to others, and engage in longer stays, thereby contributing to tourism growth. This outcome supports prior studies which have argued that customer satisfaction is a critical mediating factor in the tourism value chain, linking destination characteristics to long-term sectoral development and study recommended that Stakeholders should prioritize service quality in accommodation, transportation, and hospitality to improve visitor experiences. Continuous feedback mechanisms should be introduced to monitor and improve satisfaction levels