Preservation of Cultural Heritage through Chieftaincy Titles: Strategies for Sustaina-ble Tourism in Benin, Edo State

Abstract

The preservation of the world cultural heritage has been a focal point of the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organization, both in its tangible and intangible forms. This has propelled the initiatives for identifying and conserving the various cultural heritage assets. In reference to tourism, culture and its assets have played a dominant role in attracting tourists to various destinations. While Nigeria is a multicultural nation and the Benin ethnicity having a rich culture and reputation on the international stage, its tourism potentials are largely undeveloped. This study’s geographical focus is the Benin ethnicity. It investigated the relevance of the region’s chieftaincy institution as tool for cultural preservation as well the development of responsible tourism. As custodians of the culture, history, traditions and values of the region, six participants from the chieftaincy institution were interviewed. The resulting data revealed several efforts by the institution towards cultural heritage preservation in the region including reinforcing the teaching the Benin language in schools, continuity of societal observations and festivals. In addition, the pioneering of the guild systems with the motive of preserving of the regions unique crafts. These efforts were impended by introduction of politics into the cultural affairs as well as the negative influences of globalization. To address these challenges, the study recommended the adoption of the inclusive development strategy, the design and establishment of a regional tourism destination management strategy and subsequently a destination management organization. The study established that the chieftaincy institution can be leveraged as a key driver for cultural heritage preservation in the region.