Cultural Tourism and Community Involvement: Impacts on Sustainable Tourism Development in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examines the level of community involvement in cultural tourism and how it affects the sustainability of the tourism industry in Ekiti State, Nigeria. It employs the theory of demand and supply and the consumer culture theory as the basis for its theoretical underpinning. Samples were taken from the six communities in six local government areas randomly picked from the three senatorial districts in the study area. The questionnaire served as instruments for the work thus, four hundred and twenty (420) questionnaires containing closed-ended questions were administered on the population. The data collected were subjected to both descriptive and inferential analysis. This involved the use of tables and charts to analyse the data collected, it also employed the use of chi-square (x 2 ) analytical method to test the hypothesis. Results show that communities have not been actively involved in developmental projects and this neglect, however, has reduced the morale of inhabitants in participating in cultural activities. Also, government has not been actively involved in the cultural tourism sector, focus and emphasis had been placed on eco-tourism thereby, neglecting the cultural aspects of tourism. The study suggests a bottom-top approach towards cultural activities, i.e. inhabitants who are the custodian of the culture should be carried along in any of the developmental projects. They should also be sensitized on the benefits involve in sustaining these cultural entities and how it can help in rejuvenating tourism, which will in turn, serve as tools for regional development in the study area. The study will be of high relevance to the policy makers and will provide points of reference for researchers and academics