Abuja: Mr Olayiwola Awakan, Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority (NTDA), has advocated for the implementation of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) across Nigeria to unlock economic potential within the sector. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he emphasized the importance of involving local communities in tourism planning, management, and ownership to ensure that economic growth and cultural preservation benefits remain within the community.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the NTDA DG highlighted that adopting a community-based approach will empower locals by involving them in decision-making processes. This approach is expected to create engaging experiences for tourists and make destinations more attractive. He underscored that involving local communities is a viable strategy for sustainable rural development, as it creates economic opportunities for them.
Awakan pointed to successful examples such as the Ojude Oba Festival, Osun Osogbo Festival, and Argungu Fishing Festival, which thrive due to community involvement. He noted that these events face no significant issues because local people actively participate and understand their responsibilities. The festivals are anticipated and planned for annually, with locals investing in them as key community events.
He further explained that CBT not only preserves cultural heritage but also promotes it by incentivizing communities to protect their traditions and environment. Awakan called for collaboration among stakeholders to maximize the tourism sector’s value chain, emphasizing the potential for public-private partnerships.
Awakan mentioned that President Bola Tinubu regards the tourism sector as a viable alternative to oil and is excited about its potential. He stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration to ensure sustainable growth and highlighted the importance of the sector in Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.
He also noted that the creation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy signifies the government’s belief in the sector’s potential. Awakan called for unity among various associations and bodies within the tourism sector to effectively champion its development.