Contemporary Cultural Tourism Studies in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Contemporary cultural tourism demands, the complexities of tourism‟s multi-sectoral nature, and the paucity of resources have adversely affected the outputs of cultural tourism researchers in Nigeria. This study sought to identify and articulate the challenges that usually confront Nigerian researchers in cultural tourism in their attempt to investigate, engage and share knowledge on the subject, with a view to proffering some solutions and contributing tothe topic. Using the combined qualitative methods of library research and oral communications, twenty-one (21) scholars and researchers from across three Nigerian Universities in the south-southern and south-eastern regions of Nigeria, comprising students in the post-graduate programmes of studies, and academics from across the various ranks in the field of Tourism (and Hospitality) were purposively sampled. The study identified various challenges at different levels bordering on conceptual, methodological, and phenomenological issues, in addition to those involving the dynamics of cultural interpretation, commodification of cultural property, conflict of interests and values, subjectivity-objectivity divide, and sparse research resources, among others. It concludes that the collaborative inputs of the government, academic organisations, tourism industry operators and the researchers themselves are required to surmount cultural tourism challenges. The study recommends measures including adequate preparation by researchers, dedicated funding and sponsorship for cultural tourism research; the delineation by the National Universities Commission (NUC) of tourism studies as a Social Science from hospitality management to streamline research directions, and de-emphasising on quantity of publication for promotion over the quality and relevance of research outputs.