Visitors’ Perceptions and Experiences of Pollution at Beaches in the Accra Metropolis

Abstract

Beaches are valuable tourism resources in terms of natural, economic, social and recreational prospects. Yet, environmental pollution at beaches has become the foremost global challenge that continues to threaten, distress, and limit the quality of beach resources for tourism. The study, therefore, examines visitors' perceptions and experiences of pollution at beaches in the Accra Metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design. Data for the study was collected from primary sources. A questionnaire was used to collect the data from 309 visitors at beaches in the Accra Metropolis. Descriptive analysis, Factor analysis and Chi-square Test of Independence were employed in the analysis of the data. The study found that visitors perceive pollution at the beaches from two dimensions; as detractors to beach scenery and safety, and as detractors to beach health and wellness of beach users. The study also revealed that visitors' perceptions of pollution were significantly related to visitors' recreational experiences, and their post-visit behavioural intentions to the beaches. It was concluded that visitors perceive pollution negatively as scenery and safety detractors, as well as health cum wellness detractors which directly affects/deters visitors' recreational uses and experiences at the beaches. It is recommended that all beach facilities should improve sanitation at the beaches, by establishing designated sanitation desks dedicated to regularise the cleaning of washrooms and keeping litter-free beach areas. This should be further supported and enhanced through collaborative efforts from stakeholders in the Accra Metropolis.