Influence of Community Engagement on Sustainable Development of Tourism in Nigeria: A Review

Abstract

Community engagement is fundamental to the sustainability and success of tourism, especially when local communities are actively involved in planning, management, and in revenue-sharing. This paper reviewed the current tourism practices in Nigeria, communities’ level of understanding and their attitude towards existing tourism development, the extent, and types of present community participation, factors that hinder community participation in the tourism development process, tourism planning and how community participation in tourism faces several challenges. The review conclusion is that community engagement can influence tourism policy, leading to more representative governance that considers local needs, priorities, but policy document and policy implementers often exclude local communities’ causing conflicts and reduced trust. The review recommend, that government institutes and enforces policies that grant substantial authority to the local community to control and manage their natural resources and also encourage a strong partnerships between local communities and policy makers/implementers and tourism stakeholders.