1 EMERGING ISSUES IN TOURISM/RECREATIONAL PLANNING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES; A CASE-STUDY OF TARKWA BAY LAGOS, NIGERIA Oladoyin, Ayoola 1 - ayooladoyin79@gmail.com Uduma-Olugu, Nnezi 2 - nnezi.udumaolugu@gmail.com Obi, Paul 3 - pobi@unilag.edu.ng Ahmed Amina, MK-Ibrahim 4 – ahmedaminamk@gmail.com University of Lagos, Akoka - Lagos, Nigeria ABSTRACT Recreational planning and management in developing countries have taken a downturn over the years as various issues have resulted to this. The need to build the tourism and recreation industry in developing countries cannot be overemphasized. However, it has been perceived that one of the major issues faced with recreational planning and tourism development is lack of adequate attention from relevant stakeholders of this sector. This study sets to investigate the challenges facing recreational planning and tourism development in Lagos state; using tarkwa bay as the case study for this research. The qualitative and quantitative approach were both utilized in the course of this research work. A total of 200 questionnaires were administered, and 193 was returned. The study revealed that there are various other factors that could influence the development of recreation and tourism planning in developing countries. In order to resolve some of these constraints, it is suggested that the government should give priority to the development of open spaces. This will further improve the tourism and recreational industry of the state. Also, certain policies should be implemented by the major stakeholders in this sector; this would set a pace in the economic development of the country and ensure the general well-being. Keywords: Government policies, Implementation policies, Recreational planning, Tourism development, Planning stakeholders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM RESEARCH IJHTR ISSN: 22843-822X| December 2023, Volume 1, Issue No. 1, page number 15 INTRODUCTION According to Caliskan 2021, the concept of tourism was first used academically in the 1970s and was formally acknowledged by UNWTO that tourism development should be planned in 1994. However, recreation planning and tourism management are both intertwined, though they both have distinct focuses and objectives. While there can be lapses, both have different core objectives and stakeholders. Recreational planning is focused on making provision and enhancing recreational opportunities as well as experiences for local communities and visitors thus, it is aim at developing, managing and sustaining recreational facilities, parks and open spaces. The focus is on improving the quality of life for residents, promoting physical and mental well-being and fostering a sense of community. On the other hand, tourism management is centered around the travel and hospitality industry with a focus on what attracts tourists, provision of services and ensuring their satisfaction. The goal of this is to generate revenue and economic development. In summary, recreation planning gives room for provision of opportunities for local communities and enhancing quality of life while tourism management are those things that attracts tourists, generates revenue and promote destinations for economic development. Recreation has become universal after the Second World War which has increase the mental capacity and prosperity of neighborhood, communities and nation. A surge in the recreational ability of people occurs in the late 20th century in developed countries than the third world. Several researchers have proved that there