Introduction to Community-Based Tourism
Mr Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA) has called for Community-Based Tourism (CBT) development across the country to unlock the sector’s economic opportunities. He made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
What is Community-Based Tourism?
CBT is a sustainable tourism approach that involves local communities in the planning, management, and ownership of tourism to ensure benefits, such as economic growth and cultural preservation, remain with the community. According to the NTDA DG, adopting a community-based approach in the nation’s tourism ecosystem will empower locals to participate in decision-making, bring interesting experiences for tourists which will make destinations more attractive.
Benefits of Community-Based Tourism
He said involving local communities in tourism was a viable strategy for sustainable rural development by creating economic opportunities for them. “Tourism is community-based, and if you don’t carry the community dwellers along, including the traditional rulers and other community heads, you will not achieve your goal. Look at the Ojude Oba Festival; it has been sustained as a major tourist event because of the involvement of the community. Even the Osun Osogbo Festival and Argungu Fishing Festival that attract tourists from around the world are thriving because of community involvement.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
He said CBT preserves and promotes cultural heritage by giving communities the incentive to protect their traditions and environment. There have not been any problems with these events because the local people have been involved and they know that they have a responsibility to play. They look forward to it, they plan for it, and put in their money as an annual event that should be held in their community.
Synergy Among Stakeholders
Awakan also called for synergy among stakeholders to ensure that the entire value chain in the sector is maximised. “As a sector, we see how best we can work on public-private partnership to ensure that we bring to bear the full potential that the tourism sector carries. President Bola Tinubu is so excited about this sector and is looking at it as a viable alternative to oil,” he said. According to him, inter-agency collaboration is needed to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.
Diversification of Economy
He said that as the nation seeks to diversify its economic mainstay, the tourism sector could serve as a viable alternative if adequate attention were given to it. “If Mr President did not believe in the tourism sector, he wouldn’t have created the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy in the first place. Since I came in, I discovered that the sector itself is not speaking with one voice, as there are a couple of groups here and there. All the different associations and bodies need to work together to champion the course of this sector,” he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the development of Community-Based Tourism in Nigeria has the potential to unlock the economic opportunities of the sector. By involving local communities in the planning, management, and ownership of tourism, the country can create economic opportunities, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable rural development.
FAQs
Q: What is Community-Based Tourism?
A: Community-Based Tourism (CBT) is a sustainable tourism approach that involves local communities in the planning, management, and ownership of tourism.
Q: What are the benefits of Community-Based Tourism?
A: The benefits of CBT include creating economic opportunities for local communities, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable rural development.
Q: Why is synergy among stakeholders important in the tourism sector?
A: Synergy among stakeholders is important to ensure that the entire value chain in the sector is maximised and to promote sustainable growth in the sector.
Q: What is the potential of the tourism sector in Nigeria?
A: The tourism sector has the potential to serve as a viable alternative to oil and to contribute to the diversification of the country’s economy.
