Local Perspectives: Revitalization of Cultural Heritage through Tourism Development in Benin, Nigeria.

This study, which was undertaken in Benin, Nigeria, explored local perspectives regarding the revitalization of cultural heritage through tourism development. It also critically assessed influencing factors on the local people’s views. To answer the research questions, the qualitative case study approach was employed. In this regard, the cultural heritage that was studied and mapped in Benin served as the instrumental case in understanding the local people’s views. Within the study area (in Oredo, Egor and Ikpoba Okha local government areas), forty-one semi structured interviews with community members, heritage managers and local government employees were conducted. These informants were identified through purposive sampling and use of the snowballing technique. In addition to the data collected through interviews, observations were made while photos were taken for pictorial representation where necessary. The data was analysed thematically using a general inductive approach (Thomas, 2006). The findings of the research show the various interpretations participants held of what cultural revitalization entails. Furthermore, the findings of the study suggest that revitalization is a process and that certain issues that need to be considered and addressed form integral parts of the process. These include the consideration of the state of the cultural heritage, consideration of infrastructure, and, the involvement of the local people in the revitalization process. The views of participants highlighted that the involvement of the local people in revitalizing their cultural heritage through tourism will likely influence their level of support for the process. The study further finds that economic hope, hope for social well-being, and, potential cultural implications were seen to be potential implications of revitalizing Benin cultural heritage by the local people. From the analysis of the data about the implications of revitalization in Benin, the major social representations or groups that emerged are strong advocates of cultural revitalization, cautious supporters of cultural revitalization, and, conservatives. In addition, the findings of the study suggest that economic, sociocultural or demographic factors can affect local people’s perceptions regarding the revitalization of cultural heritage through tourism development. As this study was about the possibilities of what could happen if revitalization through tourism takes place, as opposed to already occurred impacts, the study highlights that the concept of hope is strongly linked to participants’ views about revitalizing their cultural heritage. Although a few participants showed concerns about the potential negative effects of revitalization, most of the participants had hopes that revitalization will bring about development, and such hopes were related to the conditions in which they live. Therefore, this study advances that the way people perceive tourism as a source of hope will likely have implications on how they will manage any idea about tourism development. In addition to filling a knowledge gap in relation to cultural heritage development through tourism, practical recommendations that can aid in achieving a smooth cultural revitalization process through tourism are provided