Enhancing Rural Tourism Experiences in North-Central Nigeria through Digital Platforms
Adeniyi, Akintunde David (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601091132
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601091132
Tiivistelmä
The North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria possesses a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural attractions, yet its significant tourism potential remains largely underutilized and characterized by low digital visibility. This disparity presents a critical challenge and forms the focus of this research, which examines how digital platforms can be leveraged to enhance rural tourism experiences and foster sustainable development within the region.
The theoretical framework of this thesis integrates the concepts of the Experience Economy (Pine & Gilmore), Digital Tourism Transformation, and Sustainable Tourism Development. Each chapter introduces and defines these key concepts. The section on digital tourism examines how technology-driven solutions can enhance visitor engagement and accessibility. The experience component discusses how meaningful encounters and authentic interactions contribute to memorable tourism experiences. The sustainability section explores the role of digital tools in promoting environmentally responsible and inclusive tourism practices.
The empirical part of this research employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders such as tourism operators, community leaders, and tourists along-side a content analysis of existing digital tourism initiatives in developing countries. The focus is to identify the barriers and opportunities related to digital adoption in rural tourism, as well as the needs and expectations of both tourists and service providers.
After analysing the data, the findings are connected to the theoretical framework to provide a comprehensive understanding of how digital platforms can improve rural tourism experiences. The results offer actionable recommendations and propose a digital engagement model tailored for North-Central Nigeria. The research provides valuable insights for tourism businesses, rural communities, and policymakers, highlighting how technology can enhance inclusivity, competitiveness, and sustainability in the Nigerian rural tourism sector.
The discussion addresses the main research question: how can digital platforms be leveraged to enhance rural tourism experiences in North-Central Nigeria? The findings suggest that digital tools when locally adapted can significantly improve visibility, visitor engagement, and community participation. As a summary, this thesis emphasizes that technology has the potential to transform rural tourism in North-Central Nigeria by connecting people, preserving culture, and promoting sustainable development.
The theoretical framework of this thesis integrates the concepts of the Experience Economy (Pine & Gilmore), Digital Tourism Transformation, and Sustainable Tourism Development. Each chapter introduces and defines these key concepts. The section on digital tourism examines how technology-driven solutions can enhance visitor engagement and accessibility. The experience component discusses how meaningful encounters and authentic interactions contribute to memorable tourism experiences. The sustainability section explores the role of digital tools in promoting environmentally responsible and inclusive tourism practices.
The empirical part of this research employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders such as tourism operators, community leaders, and tourists along-side a content analysis of existing digital tourism initiatives in developing countries. The focus is to identify the barriers and opportunities related to digital adoption in rural tourism, as well as the needs and expectations of both tourists and service providers.
After analysing the data, the findings are connected to the theoretical framework to provide a comprehensive understanding of how digital platforms can improve rural tourism experiences. The results offer actionable recommendations and propose a digital engagement model tailored for North-Central Nigeria. The research provides valuable insights for tourism businesses, rural communities, and policymakers, highlighting how technology can enhance inclusivity, competitiveness, and sustainability in the Nigerian rural tourism sector.
The discussion addresses the main research question: how can digital platforms be leveraged to enhance rural tourism experiences in North-Central Nigeria? The findings suggest that digital tools when locally adapted can significantly improve visibility, visitor engagement, and community participation. As a summary, this thesis emphasizes that technology has the potential to transform rural tourism in North-Central Nigeria by connecting people, preserving culture, and promoting sustainable development.