Preservation Of Cultural Resources And Its Impact To Tourism Development

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the preservation of cultural resources and its impact to tourism in Nigeria. It aimed at exploring the great potential for skills development, providing avenues for generation of knowledge which is an indispensable feature of the tourism sectors, help in creating knowledge, foster innovation and transmission of cultural heritage to the new generation. The study literature reviews that the cultural preservation of tourism sectors are also innovative not only where it overlaps with the creative industries but also in its core activities related to conservation and restoration. It was also observed that the tourist are exposed to environmental hazards by the way and manner people misuse the sites and most the mismanagement of the heritage, and natural sites, to contribute to degradation, health hazard, pollution etc in the Oguta Crystal Cove resort.

Keywords: Culture, Tourism, Preservation, Repositioning

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the Study

Nigeria is one country with a dignified culture; a culture many foreigners want to know about coupled with the beautiful tourists’ sites she has; some include: beautiful waterfalls, beaches, adorable cattle ranches, and even our long preserved traditional cultures. Tourists’ visiting will have knowledge of our past and where Nigeria is heading to.

The culture and tourism sector in Nigeria has been relegated, but it is a large economy that has what it takes to generate much revenue for Nigeria.

In fact, tourism ranks the fourth largest sector in global economy which goes beyond providing revenue to even fostering peace and development in an economy (Honey and Gilpin, 2009:1; UNWTO, 2008). This industry was first promulgated in Nigeria in 1990 when the National Tourism Policy was created.

The Nigerian people need to change their orientation and see the culture and tourism sector as a force that can push economic development and this can only be achieved if every Nigerian; the government and the governed give these sector the deserved attention it requires. Everyone will be in doubt if culture and tourism can place food on Nigerians’ table or in anywhere boost the economy, but a flash back at the pre-colonial era reminds us that this industry contributed about 50% to the economy (Aig-Imoukhuede, 1987:pp2-11). At that time some of our crafts were equally exported during the across the border trades.

1.2    Statement of Problem

Nigerians lack good orientation on how to value her culture and tourist sites. Government no more allocate funds to the culture and tourism sector, poor maintenance of tourist sites, cultures have gone into extinction, indigenes engage in theft on culture and tourism materials, etc. Still on poor orientation, Nigerians lack proper orientation on how to treat tourists; some are scared that tourists have come to exploit them and so they put up some attitude to scare them away. All these culminate in why culture and tourism sector cannot strive in Nigeria.

However, it is crystal clear that the oil industry is not booming the economy as before as we now have cases of increase in unemployment, scarcity of foreign reserves, absence foreign investors, and tourist sites being exposed to environmental factors like: erosion, leaching and desertification.

1.2      Aims/ Objectives of the study

The major objective of this study is to examine the impact of preservation of cultural resources to tourism development in Nigeria.

Other specific objectives include:

• To determine how preservation of culture and tourism can become one of the leading sectors of the Nigeria economy.
• To examine measures that can be put in place to boost culture and tourism sector.
• To determine the level of relationship between culture/tourism and tourism development in Nigeria.

1.3      Research Questions

• Can culture and tourism be one of the leading sectors of Nigeria economy?
• What is the relationship between culture/tourism and the tourism development?
• What are the effects of preservation of culture and tourism on the Nigeria development?

1.4      Research Hypothesis

Ho: There is no relationship between preservation of cultural resources in tourism development

Hi: There is a relationship between cultural resources in tourism development in Nigeria

1.5      Significance/ Justification of the study

This study is meant to orientate and educate the general public, including the government on how culture and tourism can boost the Nigeria economy. It is to remind the government that there is need to diversify the Nigeria economy; by considering the culture and tourism sector.

Finally, this research   will   also   serve   as   a   resource   base   to   other scholars and researchers interested in carrying out   further research on this subject matter.

1.6     Definition of terms

Repositioning:  The process of changing the way that people think about a product, service, or company. This is the act of placing in a new position. It means to put in a new or different position; shift.

Culture: It is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, defined by everything from language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts.

Tourism: This is the activities of people travelling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for leisure, business or other purposes. Tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to adapt constantly to customers’ changing needs and desires, as the customer’s satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are particularly the focus of tourism businesses.

Pages:  30

Category: Seminar

Format:  Word & PDF               

Chapters: 1-5                                          

Source: Imsuinfo                           

Material contains Table of Content, Abstract and References.