HOW TOURISM CAN CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIO-CULTURAL CONSERVATION IN NIGERIA

Impact arise when tourism brings changes in value behavior, in the society. Tourism can also generate positive impacts as it can serve as a means of creating both local and international jobs.

            Socio-cultural impact can be said as the change of resident’s everyday experiences such as values, ways of life and intellectual products. Tourism has the potential to promote social development through employment creation, income redistribution and poverty alleviation.

Let’s look at tourism in different ways;

·         Tourism as a force for peace: travelling/movement bring people into contact for either educational or non-educational purposes. It promotes understanding between people and cultures, which promotes cultural exchange between hosts and guests. This brings unity and understanding which can lead the reduction of tension in the society and bring peace.

·         Strengthening the society: the jobs created by tourism can act as a vital incentive to reduce emigration from rural areas. Local people can also increase their influence on tourism development through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organizational skills.

·         Facilities development: the benefits can include upgraded infrastructure, health and transport improvements, new sport and recreational facilities, restaurants and public spaces and better-quality commodities and food.

·         Revaluation of culture and traditions: it can contribute to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, the protection of local heritage and a renaissance of indigenous culture, cultural arts and crafts.

·         Encourages civic involvement and pride: it helps to create awareness of the financial value of natural and cultural sites and can stimulate a feeling of pride in local and national heritage and interest in its conservation.

Problems of socio-cultural understanding

·         Cultural shock which is the totality of reactions to new people and settings which in ineffective behaviors. It can be experienced by either visitors or their hosts.

·         Cultural arrogance refers to the continued practice of following.

Positive Impact of tourism

·         Jobs opportunity

·         Income for the local economy

·         Awareness and increase in demand for local food and craft

·         Tourists mainly come to see the scenery and wildlife, therefore there will be pressure to conserve habitats and wildlife.

References

www.unep,org

traveltips.usatoday.com

www.nationalparks.gov.uk

The Punch Newspaper page 10, benefits of tourism to communities, Ife Adedapo

Post written by Komolafe Oyindamola