Heritage Tourism; Preserving and Promoting Historical Sites and Monuments in Ekiti state, nigeria

This study examined heritage tourism, in relation to the preservation and promotionof historical site and monuments in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Specifically, the studyexamined current state of preservation of historical sites and monuments in EkitiState; the key challenges hindering the promotion of heritage tourism in Ekiti State,together with the propose strategies to enhance the preservation and promotion ofhistorical sites and monuments for heritage tourism in Ekiti State. Three researchquestions were raised based on the objectives of the study, to investigate the currentstate of preservation of historical sites and monuments in Ekiti State; the keychallenges hindering the promotion of heritage tourism in Ekiti State and to proposestrategies to enhance the preservation and promotion of historical sites andmonuments for heritage tourism in Ekiti State. The study was conducted in EkitiState, Nigeria, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. The populationincluded stakeholders in heritage tourism, such as cultural heritage managers,government officials, local leaders, and visitors. A sample of 100 participants wasselected using a descriptive survey method. Data was collected through a close-ended questionnaire, the Heritage Tourism Perception Questionnaire (HTPQ), whichwas validated and tested for reliability. The questionnaire gathered information onthe perceptions of heritage tourism, and the data was analyzed using descriptivestatistics, including frequency counts and percentages. The study revealed that whileEkiti State possesses significant historical sites and monuments with the potential todrive heritage tourism, there were several factors impeding their optimalpreservation and promotion. The analysis demonstrated that although preservationefforts were visible, they were hampered by insufficient funding, inadequateinfrastructure, poor marketing strategies, and limited stakeholder collaboration.These challenges significantly affected the ability of these sites to attract local andinternational tourists.The study also highlighted that community involvement,education, and increased partnerships could play a pivotal role in enhancingpreservation and promotion efforts. The findings suggested that integrating moderndigital marketing strategies, improving infrastructure, and increasing funding wouldsignificantly boost the visibility and sustainability of these historical assets. It wasrecommended based on the findings of this study that collaboration amongstakeholders, including local communities, cultural heritage managers, governmentbodies, and private organizations, should be encouraged to create a more coordinatedapproach to preserving and promoting historical sites.