Tourism Industry; an In-Road to Cultural Upliftment

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Study

Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest growing global tourism markets. Culture and creative industries are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness. Many locations are now actively developing their tangible and intangible cultural assets as a means of developing comparative advantages in an increasingly competitive market place, and to create local distinctiveness in the face of globalization.

The impact of tourism industry on cultural upliftment examines the growing relationship between tourism and culture, and the way in which they have together become major drivers of destination attractiveness and competitiveness. Based on the case study Olumo rock in Abeokuta, that illustrate the different facets of the relationship between the culture, tourism and regional attractiveness, and the policy interventions which can enhance the relationship, this research work shows how a strong link between tourism industry and cultural upliftment can be forestered to assist places become more attractive to tourists, as well as increasingly their competitiveness as locations to live work and invest in.

This project is essential reading for academic national and local policy makers and practitioners and all those in the tourism sector who wish to understand the tourism industry as an in-road to cultural upliftment. Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Tourism Industry: an In-road to Cultural Upliftment.

1.2 Statement of Problems

It is eronously believed that our cultural heritage is gradually being pushed aside by technological advancements. Therefore, this research work is interested in finding answers to how the tourism industry can enhance the cultural upliftment within the relationship between tourism industry and cultural upliftment.

1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the importance of tourism to human existence, relationship between culture and tourism industry, culture, tourism, an in-road to cultural upliftment. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To assess the in-road to Cultural Upliftment in tourism Industry
2. To examine the essential tool for cultural upliftment in tourism industry
3. To find out the relationship that exists between tourism and culture

1.4 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is tourism industry?
• What is culture and cultural upliftment?
• What relationship exists between tourism and culture?
• How can we make tourism industry to be an essential tool for cultural upliftment?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

• H₀1: Culture and tourism are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness.
• H₀2: Tourism is envisaged as leading to the management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes and biologic al diversity.
• H₀3: Tourism industry provides employment for people involved in that sector and it is a means by which the culture of people of particular place can be shown and sell to the whole world.

1.6 Significance of Study

This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on the In-road to Cultural Upliftment in Tourism Industry. This research work is limited to Olumo rock which is a major tourist destination in Abeokuta Ogun State.

1.7 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:

1. Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
4. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

1.9 Definition of Terms

Tourism: Is the travel for recreational, leisure or business purposes.

Industry: The production of goods from raw materials especially in factories.

Tourism Industry: This is the business of providing things for people to do, places for them to stay etc. while they are on holiday.