Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the visionary behind La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, has passionately underscored the immense potential of Nigeria’s historical sites as captivating tourist attractions. In a compelling address, he voiced concern over the neglect of these invaluable cultural assets, many of which are poorly managed or left to crumble. Akinboboye, also the driving force behind the Ipada Initiative and the Ipada Carnival 2024, emphasized that a well-structured promotion of these historical locations could transform them into dynamic tourism products. This initiative has garnered support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who serves as the grand patron and global ambassador of the Ipada Carnival.
Akinboboye revealed that historical sites hold the 46th position in his comprehensive calendar of 52 tourism offerings for Nigeria, underscoring their crucial role in the nation’s tourism development strategy. He lamented the absence of history education in Nigerian schools, creating a disconnect from cultural understanding. Akinboboye strongly asserted that history is fundamental to cultural identity, enabling people to grasp their heritage, values, and traditions. Without this knowledge, he explained, individuals struggle to connect with their cultural roots, impacting the sense of community and shared identity.
He then presented a compelling case by highlighting several of Nigeria’s historical treasures: the Benin Walls, the Kano City Wall, and the Ijebu Walls, all remarkable testaments to ancient engineering. He noted that many Nigerians remain unaware of the existence of these sites, which are either in ruins or inadequately maintained. The Benin Walls, for instance, constructed between 800 AD and 1460 AD, surpass the Great Wall of China in length, yet they remain relatively unknown and underpromoted.
Akinboboye emphasized that these historical landmarks represent a significant untapped potential within Nigeria’s tourism offerings. He explained that some of these ancient sites reveal advanced societies that were more organized than many of their Western counterparts at the time. Highlighting this history would not only empower Africans to take pride in their heritage but also challenge the misconceptions created by colonial narratives that often depicted Africa as primitive and disorganized.
The global heritage tourism market, dedicated to promoting historical sites as attractions, was valued at a staggering $556.96 billion in 2021. Akinboboye pointed out that this segment of the tourism industry is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2022 to 2030. He stressed that Nigeria possesses the capacity to tap into this expanding market by capitalizing on its historical sites to attract both domestic and international tourists. He cited the United Kingdom as a prime example of a nation that has successfully developed a robust heritage tourism sector. In 2015 alone, 192 million heritage-motivated trips were undertaken in the UK, generating a substantial £17.5 billion and supporting 386,000 jobs. Akinboboye highlighted that the UK’s heritage tourism sector continues to thrive, with millions of visitors flocking to historic sites and generating significant revenue each year.
Transforming Nigeria’s historical sites into flourishing tourist attractions could have a profound impact on the country’s economy. Akinboboye explained that promoting these sites would create new income streams and generate employment opportunities. By showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to the world, the country could establish itself as a prominent player in the global tourism industry.
Akinboboye envisions the development of historical tourism as a collaborative effort, led by the private sector with the support of the government. He emphasized that tourism entrepreneurs have a unique opportunity to package these sites in a way that resonates with both local and international audiences. With the right marketing strategies and infrastructure investments, Nigeria could unlock the full potential of its historical tourism product.
The global effects of developing Nigeria’s historical sites as tourist attractions would extend beyond the country’s borders. For international travelers, the opportunity to explore ancient African civilizations and delve into their contributions to global history would be an irresistible draw. Heritage tourism caters to a diverse audience, from history enthusiasts to cultural travelers, and Nigeria’s historical sites could offer an unparalleled experience in this burgeoning market.
For the travel industry, this development presents a compelling opportunity to create specialized travel packages that focus on heritage tourism. Tour operators, airlines, and hotels could witness increased demand as more tourists are captivated by Nigeria’s historical attractions. By promoting these sites internationally, Nigeria could attract a new segment of travelers eager to explore Africa’s rich past.
Furthermore, the successful promotion of Nigeria’s historical sites could inspire other African countries to follow suit, creating a ripple effect across the continent. This would further establish Africa as a key destination for heritage tourism, contributing to economic growth and job creation throughout the region.
