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MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING ARTS AND CULTURE THROUGH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Tourism has become a large global industry expanding rapidly not only in developed but also in developing countries. 10.2% of the world’s GNP had been taken by the tourism sector as related activities (tourism and general travel) and it is expected to grow by 3.6% to in 2017 (WTTC, 2016). Its split on a global economy has been increasing significantly, and it is faster than global output (United Nation world tourism organization report, 2005).

However, activities in most of the tourist destinations are less than the expected ones (WTR, 2007). In line with using already existing sites, developing nations like Nigeria by considering potential tourism attractions promotion and development activities should be done simultaneously to increase the benefits of the sector at large. According to Ashley et al. (2001), one of the main challenges for tourism to position itself as a key economic sector in developing countries is using only the existing tourism resource. There is a necessity for government policies and donor-financed tourism development programs that attempt to develop brand new potential sites in the tourism industry. Contrary to this idea, developing nations without expecting donation can achieve success if different actors of tourism jointly design least cost promotion and development strategies facilitated by the media (Andreea & Ioncica, 2012).  According to Benson (2013), media are imperative for frontline investments for sustainable globalised tourism development indicators. The powerful effects of media communications can bring sweeping changes of attitudes and behaviour among the key actors in local, national and global tourism for peace, security and sustainable development. The social, cultural, economic, political and environmental benefits of tourism would usher in monumental and historic changes in the country.  The media no doubt are pivotal instruments in society’s development as well as promoters of culture. The media functions within the nexus of society and just like the media cannot function effectively without the enabling environment provided by the society; the society itself cannot function well without the media. “The media are important shapers of our perception and ideas. They are conscious industries which provide not simple information about the world, but ways of seeing and understanding it” (Orlu, 2013, p.124).

According to Wilson, (2006, p.80);

The communication enterprise gets all kinds of inputs such as human, professional and technology from the external environment. These inputs are used for the production of media products. The communication enterprise must respond to socially approved values and emphasize those held in high esteem. In other words, it must correspond with or reflect the economic, moral, cultural and political traditions of the society.

Okunna (1999) posit that the media must project programmes that are consistent with the values of society wherein they operate. Being that the “media are very important in the production and transmission of culture” Its therefore important for the media to promote and showcase such cultural practices that will not only endear the populace to such culture but attract them to the extent that they will visit the state, wherein such cultural promotions are showcased.

According to Chieme et al., (2017), the movement of people from their location to another in order to participate in such cultural activity is what some scholars’ term cultural tourism.

Onijah-Obi Cited in (Chuku, 2011, p.85), further explains that:

The most interesting aspects of tourism and culture are in the areas of cultural diversity. It is this difference in culture and values that allures and motivates tourists to leave their communities for another – to relax, to observe and to learn….Cultural tourism has to do with the rich cultural heritage of a people in the area of dances, music, custom, dresses, festivals, historical monuments, images, arts and crafts.

Chuku (2011, p.85) noted that cultural heritages do not market themselves but must be packaged by the people. In some cultures, members of the society are involved in the propagation of their culture. From the foregoing, it is clear that one of such members of the society who are involved in the propagation of their culture are the media because they have the capacity to transmit to a large, heterogeneous and scattered audience. The media are major carriers of culture and cultural instruments which supply the cultural force and shape the cultural experience of many millions of people in the modern world (MacBride et al, 1981). One of such cultural activities that the media can play significant role in promoting is the Osun Oshogbo Festival. Osun Oshogbo Festival is an avenue where the rich and abundant culture of the Osun people is showcased. Thus, the role of the media is crucial in determining the extent to which tourism can be promoted in Nigeria.

1.2     Statement of problem

Despite the potentials and opportunities available for tourism development in Nigeria, it is still bogged with many problems. One of the major problem is the engagement of the media towards the growth and development of the tourism industry. While the media have been actively involved in several sectorial growth and development, more still need to be done for the tourism industry. The media must actively project programmes that are consistent with the values of society wherein they operate and capable of developing the rich cultural heritage of the country. The media are indispensable in championing the cause for tourism development in Nigeria as well as act as a potent tools in the transmission of culture.

Apart from the media being proactive in their reportage on issues bordering on tourism development, there is a problem of consistent support and encouragement to all and sundry to preserve their culture. There is a need for further strengthening of arts and culture through provision of community media to serve the interest of the ruralities.

Another major problem is the need for citizens to be aware of the importance and benefits of tourism, which the media no doubt can serve as vanguard of information. The current level of sensitization and education of Nigerians on tourism pose a problem. This they can do by projecting events about tourism.

The problem of advocacy reportage on cultural activities of Osun Osogbo festival and other cultural heritage have limited the development of the tourism sector. The citizens needs to be alert and informed of cultural activities such as Osun Osogbo festival as well as afford others the opportunity to leverage on the opportunities that tourism provides. Its therefore important for the media, especially the new media to promote and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country such as Osun Oshogbo Festival, which will not only endear the populace to such culture but attract them to the extent that they will visit the state, wherein such cultural promotions are showcased.

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