Introduction
Prior to the global appreciation of tourism, the practice had long been in existence, impacting communities and giving essence to cultures even before it was formally named ‘tourism’. The reputation tourism holds is quite strong—one capable of evoking significant change in economies—which is currently evident in Nigerian communities, culminating in an economic force that empowers. It contributes to creating a platform that includes job creation, improving local businesses, and attracting worthy financial value to these communities. For natives around the world, tourism offers a special chance to show off their rich culture, traditions, and unique lifestyles to people from diverse walks of life. It acts as a link between these communities and the rest of the world, helping to build understanding and respect across different cultures.
Yet, despite the clear economic benefits of tourism, its quick expansion often creates big problems. Many age-old traditions, kept alive for countless years, are now at risk of alteration or even complete disappearance due to business interests and selfish external influences. Shows of culture, holy ceremonies, and native crafts could turn into products to please tourists, losing their real meaning and deep cultural value. What’s more, tourists can put pressure on local supplies, harm the environment, and shake up how these communities live together.
Striking a balance between economic growth and preserving culture plays a key role in ensuring that indigenous customs stay intact while also reaping the benefits of the money tourism brings in. Tourism models that are sustainable, empower local communities, show respect for cultural traditions, and put eco-friendly strategies into action can help tackle these issues.
The economic benefits of tourism in indigenous communities
Job opportunity
Tourism offers an opportunity for diverse employment in indigenous communities. As the interest of tourists increases, job openings in hospitality, tour guiding, traditional arts and crafts, and cultural performances are likely to increase. For instance, the African Journals marked the tourism sector in Nigeria as a major contributor to minimising unemployment in the country, accounting for a 20 percent rate of employment creation, further highlighting its substantial role in the nation’s labour market.
Revenue to indigenous-owned businesses
Tourists spend a lot of money in Indigenous-owned businesses. In a bid to explore the content of a community, these local businesses flourish with a lot of patronage from visitors. For example, in Cross River State, tourist visits steadily increased by approximately 10 percent annually from 2000 to 2016, bolstering local enterprises and the broader economy. During the annual Calabar Carnival, the state records increased economic value, with local businesses being the lead benefactors. These instances underscore the pivotal role tourism plays in enhancing the economic well-being of Nigeria’s indigenous communities.
Infrastructural development
With an increase in tourism and the spending that accompanies it, there will likely be significant infrastructural investments in indigenous communities. For example, transportation infrastructure, healthcare services, and education have the potential to be developed to accommodate tourist visitors and benefit residents alike.
Cultural exchange and awareness
Tourism establishes a cultural exchange that allows indigenous communities to share their culture with visitors coming from all over. This cross-cultural exchange has the potential to foster respect between visitors and indigenous people while promoting the preservation and appreciation of indigenous cultural ideals.
Threats to indigenous traditions due to tourism
Cultural erosion
Tourism is said to cause the gradual dilution of indigenous cultures through constant exposure to outside influences. This is achieved by alienating traditional practices, abandoning native languages, changing customs, and altering rituals so that they satisfy the direct expectations of tourists, losing any part of the entire cultural identity.
Commodification of culture
Tourism makes room for turning relevant cultural practices into commodities. Most of the time, when tourists visit local communities, they tend to make these local arts or practices a form of entertainment, particularly in exchange for money. When these cultural artefacts are commercialised, it automatically deprives the culture of the value and originality that it holds.
Over-commercialisation
The demand for souvenirs and artefacts of culture puts pressure on artisans to produce bulk goods, ultimately lowering their quality for the sake of the original authentic traditional crafts. In fact, those creations will lose their cultural value.
Environmental degradation
Increased tourist activities result in some environmental problems, such as pollution and the destruction of habitats. For instance, in Morocco, surf tourism has caused havoc in many forms, like the demolition of illegal settlements for new constructions meant to make way for future development, raising alarms about environmental sustainability.
Michael Ajassi is an accomplished business executive with nearly a decade of experience in travel business management. He has a proven track record of driving long-term growth and profitability through robust training programmes and sound financial strategies.
Credit: BusinessDay
