INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
Cultural Heritage Assets and Constraints to Tourism Development: A  
Case Study of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria  
Ojo Jeremiah Oluwaseun1, Raimi Fatai Ademola2*  
1Department of Geography and Planning Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Ekiti State University,  
Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.  
2Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Federal  
University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria.  
*Corresponding Author  
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.909000751  
Received: 10 September 2025; Accepted: 01 October 2025; Published: 29 October 2025  
ABSTRACT  
This study explores the potential of cultural heritage assets for tourism development, using the ancient Benin  
City in Edo State, Nigeria, as a case study. Despite its historical significance, particularly the Oba's Palace and  
the renowned Benin Bronzes, the city’s tourism sector remains underdeveloped. Using a survey design, data  
were collected from a non-probability sample of 100 respondents (50 tourists and 50 residents/operators) at three  
primary cultural sites: The National Museum, The Oba of Benin’s Palace, and the annual Igue Festival. The  
study employed descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and thematic analysis to address four  
objectives: 1) to identify Benin City's key cultural heritage assets; 2) to analyze the relationship between the  
local culture and the sites' appeal; 3) to assess the contribution and constraints of heritage sites to local  
development; and 4) to determine factors influencing tourist preference. Findings confirm that while the sites  
contribute positively to local economic activity, their full potential is hindered by poor public services and the  
low ratio of international visitors to domestic tourists. The results align with recent literature identifying  
infrastructural deficiencies and insecurity as major barriers to tourism growth in Nigeria. The study recommends  
urgent public-private sector collaboration to upgrade infrastructure and implement effective visitor management  
systems for sustainable growth.  
Keywords: Cultural Heritage, Heritage Tourism, Benin City, Tourism Development, Nigeria.  
INTRODUCTION  
Study Background and Context  
Heritage tourism, defined as travel motivated by engaging with historical sites, monuments, and cultural  
traditions, has emerged as a crucial segment of the global tourism market (Hall and Zeppel, 2011; Hall, 2015;  
Timothy and Boyd, 2015). This form of tourism not only offers visitors an immersive, cerebral experience of  
the past (Ye et al., 2024) but also serves as a vital tool for the preservation of cultural resources and the economic  
diversification of local communities (Getz and Page, 2019; 2024). Traditional towns in Africa, particularly those  
with a history of pre-colonial statehood like Benin City, possess immense and unique heritage assets that are  
globally significant (Ayeni et al., 2024).  
Benin City, the former capital of the historic Edo Kingdom, is one such repository of cultural wealth, renowned  
globally for the artistic excellence of the Benin Bronzes and its enduring monarchy centered at the Oba's Palace.  
These assets, alongside the annual Igue Festival, represent profound cultural capital that should logically position  
the city as a major international heritage tourism destination.  
Statement of the Research Problem  
Despite this extraordinary cultural endowment, the tourism potential of Benin City remains largely untapped and  
poorly managed. Historical issues, such as the looting of the Bronzes, have garnered international attention, yet  
Page 9104  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
local investment in tourism infrastructure, visitor experience, and site maintenance lags significantly behind its  
peers in other developing nations. Recent studies continue to highlight that factors like insecurity, poor  
infrastructure, and unreliable services are fundamental problems hindering tourism growth across Nigeria  
(Naluba and Goddy, 2020; Ikeke, 2022; Olonade et al., 2025). This disparity leads to a pervasive problem: the  
rich cultural supply is undermined by poor service quality and deficient destination management. The economic  
benefits from tourism are therefore limited, primarily benefiting a small number of local operators without  
significantly improving general public welfare or attracting high-spending international tourists.  
Existing literature often focuses either on the historical significance of the Bronzes or the general economic  
impact of tourism. A critical research gap exists in the integrated assessment of both the supply-side cultural  
assets and the demand-side constraints (infrastructure, management, and visitor experience) from the viewpoint  
of the tourists and the local beneficiaries. This study addresses this gap by providing empirical data linking the  
perceived value of the city's heritage to the systemic management challenges hindering its sustainable  
development.  
Objectives of the Study  
The main aim of this study is to analyze the viability of Benin City's traditional assets as tools for sustainable  
tourism development. The specific objectives are to:  
identify the major cultural heritage sites and attractions in Benin City.  
analyze the relationship between Benin's cultural elements (history, rituals, arts) and the appeal of its heritage  
sites.  
assess the contribution and structural constraints of heritage sites to local economic development and tourism  
growth.  
determine factors influencing tourist and resident preference for cultural heritage destinations.  
LITERATURE REVIEW  
Heritage Tourism and Motivation  
Heritage tourism is intrinsically linked to cultural heritage, which includes the tangible and intangible practices,  
knowledge, and expressions passed down through generations (Deacon, 2003). As tourists become more  
sophisticated, their motivations shift from passive sightseeing to active experiential learning (Getz and Page,  
2019; 2024). Visitors to heritage sites are often motivated by the desire to:  
Experience a different time or place.  
Learn to enjoy a cerebral experience.  
Connect with a shared history or teach children about the site (Ye et al., 2024).  
The authenticity of the heritage resource is paramount. When history is transformed into a "commodity called  
heritage," there is a risk of commercialization undermining the genuine legacy (Hewison, 2007). Therefore,  
successful heritage tourism management must balance commercial gains with the imperative to preserve cultural  
integrity (Ashworth and Tunbridge, 2000; Ashworth, 2020; Tunbridge, 2023).  
Socio-Economic and Cultural Impacts of Tourism  
Tourism, when properly managed, acts as a catalyst for economic and social development. Its positive economic  
impacts include generating income, creating employment, and encouraging infrastructural upgrades in public  
utilities and transportation systems (Jemiluyi and Jeke, (2024); Sorupia, 2005).  
Page 9105  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
Crucially for traditional towns, tourism's impact extends to the social and cultural sphere:  
It provides economic justification for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and monuments  
(Uchegbu et al., 2021).  
It enhances community pride and strengthens citizenship values by educating residents and tourists about local  
history and traditions (Van, 2024).  
However, unchecked tourism can lead to negative socio-cultural impacts, such as the distortion of local customs  
to please tourists or an increase in the cost of living for residents (Hwang et al., 2012). Recent studies emphasize  
that community involvement is critical; excluding local populations risks eroding rather than preserving cultural  
identity (Anunobi and Okpoko, 2024; Cossengue et al., 2025).  
Institutional and Management Frameworks in Nigeria  
The development of tourism in Nigeria is primarily overseen by the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation  
(NTDC), which is responsible for promotion, marketing, and standardizing the hospitality industry (NTDC Act,  
1992). At the state level, the Edo State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism is mandated to preserve, protect,  
project, and promote the state’s cultural heritage.  
Despite these structures, the institutional framework often suffers from poor coordination between federal, state,  
and local agencies, inadequate funding, and a lack of effective public-private partnerships Oruonye, 2013). This  
systemic failure in governance and resource allocation, worsened by issues of security (Ikeke, 2022) and weak  
marketing (Nwaopara and Emeafor, 2025), directly translates into poor infrastructure, security concerns, and  
low-quality visitor services, which are major obstacles to attracting sustained international investment and high-  
value tourists.  
DATA AND METHODS  
The Study Area  
Benin City is the capital of Edo State (figure 1 and 2), Nigeria, known globally for the historic Kingdom of  
Benin, which flourished from the 13th to 19th centuries. The city is situated approximately 320 kilometers east  
of Lagos. Key cultural attractions include the National Museum, the Oba's Palace, and the historic Igun Street  
(famous for bronze casting). The city retains traditional significance with the Oba (sacred king) retaining  
advisory roles and ceremonial importance, hosting the annual Igue Festival.  
Figure 1: Map of Nigeria showing Edo State  
Page 9106  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
Figure 2: Map of Edo State showing Benin City  
Source: Ministry of Urban and Physical Development, Benin City  
METHODS  
The study utilized a Survey Design combined with qualitative data collection to capture both the quantitative  
assessment of preferences and the underlying qualitative constraints. Both primary and secondary data were  
utilized. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire and interview guide (IG), supported by  
photographs and personal observation. Secondary data were sourced from relevant academic journals, books,  
government reports, and institutional records. The study population comprised tourists (both domestic and  
international) visiting Benin City's heritage sites and the residents/operators providing tourism-related services  
near the sites. A sample of 100 respondents was targeted: 50 tourists and 50 residents/operators. Given the  
difficulty in determining the total population of tourists, convenience sampling was used to select tourists  
encountered at the three major sites (National Museum, Oba's Palace, Igue Festival participants). Purposive  
Sampling was used to select residents and business operators known to be directly involved in or affected by  
tourism activities near the sites. The unit of analysis was the individual respondent (tourist or resident/operator).  
A structured questionnaire, divided into closed- and open-ended questions, was used. The tourist questionnaire  
covered socio-economic characteristics and cultural heritage site preference/destination attributes. The resident  
questionnaire focused on the contributions of the sites to business opportunities and local development.  
Descriptive statistics, specifically frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the socio-economic  
profiles and the assessment of cultural destination attributes. Thematic analysis was applied to the open-ended  
responses, interviews, and observation notes to extract key themes regarding constraints, challenges, and  
opportunities.  
FINDINGS  
Note on Sample Size: The final valid responses collected and analyzed totaled 89 (45 tourists and 44  
residents/operators), which is used as the base (N) for all reported frequencies and percentages.  
Page 9107  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
Socio-economic and Cultural Characteristics  
Table 4.1: Socio-economic and Cultural Characteristics  
Characteristic  
Nationality  
Category  
Nigerian (Indigenes/Non-Indigenes)  
Foreigners (Non-Nigerians)  
Male  
Frequency (N=89) Percentage (%)  
83  
6
93.3  
6.7  
Gender  
Age  
51  
38  
31  
25  
17  
16  
57.3  
42.7  
34.8  
28.1  
19.1  
17.9  
Female  
20-30 years  
31-40 years  
41-50 years  
Above 50 years  
Source: Authors field survey, 2025  
The data confirms the domestic nature of tourism in Benin City, with Nigerian visitors constituting 93.3% of the  
sample, while foreigners represent a marginal 6.7%. This low international visitor ratio highlights a major  
constraint on revenue generation and global visibility.  
Major Cultural Heritage Assets and Appeal  
Respondents were asked to rate the appeal of various cultural attributes on a 5-point scale (frequencies and  
percentages reported here):  
Table 4.2: Major Cultural Heritage Assets and Appeal  
Cultural Attribute  
Authenticity of Historical  
Narratives  
High/Very High Appeal (%)  
Finding  
88.7%  
Highest-rated attribute, validating the  
historical integrity of the sites.  
Confirms the high artistic value of the  
Benin cultural items.  
Moderate rating; suggests a need for  
formal training in visitor services.  
Lowest-rated attribute, indicating a major  
infrastructural constraint.  
Quality of Local Craftsmanship  
(Bronzes/Carvings)  
Friendliness of Locals/Hospitality  
85.4%  
62.9%  
35.9%  
General Site Accessibility  
(Roads/Parking)  
Source: Authors field survey, 2025  
The results demonstrate a strong positive relationship between the core cultural elements (authenticity,  
craftsmanship) and the sites' appeal, which is the foundational strength of Benin's tourism potential.  
Contribution and Constraints to Local Development  
Table: 4.3: Contribution and Constraints to Local Development  
Development Factor Positive Contribution (%)  
Constraint (Open-Ended Themes)  
The presence of sites promotes local petty trading, craft  
sales, and food vending.  
Did not improve. Themes included poor road networks,  
unreliable electricity, and security concerns.  
Moderate; primarily low-wage roles (guards, guides,  
vendors) with limited professional opportunities.  
Very Low satisfaction. Themes included lack of funding,  
poor waste management, and political interference.  
Local Economic  
Development  
78.6%  
25.8%  
59.5%  
12.3%  
Quality of Public  
Services  
Job Creation (Directly  
Tourism-Related)  
Overall Government  
Support  
Source: Authors field survey, 2025  
Page 9108  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
The findings reveal a significant inconsistency: while the sites foster local economic activity (petty trade), they  
fail to drive systemic improvements in public services and infrastructure, limiting their role as genuine tools for  
sustainable urban development.  
Factors Influencing Tourist Preference  
The primary factors motivating visitors were:  
Cultural History/Learning (45.2%): The desire to learn about the ancient Benin Kingdom and witness the Igue  
Festival.  
Ancestral/Ethnic Connection (30.5%): The desire of domestic Nigerian tourists to reconnect with their heritage.  
Site Proximity/Convenience (15.1%): Visiting as part of a transit or local trip, not as a primary destination.  
The dominance of cultural and ancestral drivers confirms that the market appeal is fundamentally academic and  
heritage-driven, rather than being service- or leisure-driven.  
DISCUSSION  
Analysis of Findings and Theoretical Linkage  
The findings confirm the theoretical proposition that cultural heritage assets are the primary drivers of visitation  
(Ye et al., 2024). The high rating of the authenticity of Benin's narrative and the quality of its craftsmanship  
validates the city's supply-side strength, positioning it as a potentially high-value destination.  
However, the analysis of constraints reveals a breakdown in the necessary institutional and infrastructural  
framework required for effective tourism development (Jemiluyi and Jeke, 2024; Sorupia, 2005). The 93.3%  
domestic tourist base and the low satisfaction with public services demonstrate that Benin City has not  
successfully transitioned its cultural capital into a globally competitive, service-driven tourism economy. The  
lack of private sector confidence and the failure of public sector investment to address poor accessibility and  
security issues directly suppress the influx of higher-spending international visitors. This is consistent with recent  
research which finds that insecurity (terrorist attacks, kidnapping) can drastically reduce tourist arrivals in  
Nigeria, underscoring the urgency of strategic security investments (Ikeke, 2022).  
Cultural Preservation and Economic Sustainability  
The study reveals that the sites foster local economic development through informal trade, but this benefit is  
marginal and does not lead to the anticipated uplift in the quality of life or public services (Van, 2024). This  
pattern indicates that the current tourism model is one of cultural consumption without corresponding  
stewardship. To ensure sustainability, government policies, incentives, and active monitoring must prioritize  
preserving the cultural landscape over short-term revenue generation from unchecked vendors. The local  
government must use tourism revenues to fund conservation efforts and infrastructural upgrades, thereby  
establishing a closed-loop system of development and preservation. Furthermore, as suggested by Anunobi and  
Okpoko (2024); Cossengue et al., (2025, involving the local population in tourism decision-making is essential  
to prevent the erosion of cultural identity through unchecked commercialization.  
Business Operators’ Perspectives and Policy Implications  
The low-satisfaction ratings for government support and public services (road access, security) reflect the critical  
constraint faced by local business operators. Operators, despite acknowledging the sites' ability to draw  
customers, operate in a high-cost environment due to unreliable electricity and poor road networks. Policy  
adjustments should focus on:  
Targeted Infrastructure Investment: Dedicated funds for road access and security around the Oba's Palace and  
National Museum, recognizing that dilapidated infrastructure is a major deterrent (Naluba and Goddy, 2020;  
Olonade et al., 2025).  
Page 9109  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
Private Sector Incentives: Tax breaks and subsidized loans for formal tourism enterprises (e.g., quality  
accommodation, registered tour guides) to professionalize the service sector.  
Visitor Management System: Implementing a formal system to track and analyze visitor demographics,  
expenditures, and satisfaction levels, addressing the current data deficit (6.7%} foreign ratio) and providing data  
for future planning (NTDC Act, 1992). Improved online visibility and marketing, as highlighted by Nwaopara  
and Emeafor (2025) for other heritage media, is also crucial.  
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS  
Conclusion  
This study confirms that Benin City possesses globally significant cultural heritage assets that are highly  
appealing to both domestic and international visitors, but its potential for robust tourism development is severely  
limited by infrastructural decay and institutional failure. While the heritage sites are tools for local economic  
activity, they are constrained by the failure to translate cultural value into improved public services and a globally  
competitive visitor experience.  
Research Evaluation and Contributions  
Theoretical Contribution: This paper extends knowledge by offering an integrated assessment that  
simultaneously validates the cultural supply-side strength of a major West African traditional town and  
empirically quantifies the demand-side management constraints, providing a holistic framework for  
understanding heritage tourism underdevelopment in Nigeria.  
Practical Contributions: The findings provide empirical evidence to stakeholders:  
Government/Policymakers: Must shift focus from promotion to investment in public services (roads, security).  
Private Sector: Identifies the market demand (authenticity) and the required areas for investment (high-quality  
lodging, guided tours).  
Local Communities: Highlights the need for formal training and participation to maximize job creation beyond  
petty trade.  
Recommendations  
Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The Edo State government must facilitate a PPP model specifically for the  
tourism precinct, allowing private capital to upgrade and manage infrastructure, particularly road access and  
visitor facilities.  
Professionalization and Training: Establish a mandatory training and certification program for local residents to  
professionalize tour guiding and vending, improving the hospitality rating (62.9%) and enhancing visitor  
experience.  
Visitor Management System: Implement a dedicated system at all major sites to capture accurate and consistent  
data on visitor origin, length of stay, and expenditure, replacing reliance on inconsistent observation and enabling  
evidence-based planning.  
Preservation Funding: Earmark a percentage of all tourism revenues for the direct maintenance and conservation  
of the Oba’s Palace and National Museum structures to protect the core asset.  
Study Limitations and Future Research  
This study was limited by its reliance on a non-probability sample and a relatively small sample size (N=89),  
which limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research should undertake a longitudinal study to track  
visitor statistics over several festival cycles and employ economic impact modeling to quantify the direct,  
indirect, and induced economic benefits of the heritage sites. A comparative study of Benin City with another  
successful cultural tourism city in West Africa would also provide deeper policy insights.  
Page 9110  
www.rsisinternational.org  
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)  
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue IX September 2025  
REFERENCES  
1. Anunobi, A. I., & Okpoko, P. U. (2024). Community participation in heritage tourism management: A  
prerequisite for sustainable tourism development in Nigeria. International Journal of Research in Tourism  
and Hospitality, 4(2), 1-15.  
2. Ashworth, G. J. (2020). Heritage in ritual and identity. In Ritual, heritage and identity (pp. 19-38).  
Routledge India.  
3. Ashworth, G. J., & Tunbridge, J. E. (2000). The tourist-historic city: Retrospect and prospect of managing  
the heritage city. Pergamon.  
4. Ayeni, D. A., Dada, A. D., & Ale, T. A. (2024). Harnessing heritage resources for social, economic and  
cultural benefits in Nigeria. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 5(5), 1–23.  
https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.04171  
5. Cossengue, P. R., Brea, J. A. F., & Tavares, F. O. (2025). Challenges of Ecotourism in Africa: The State  
of the Art. Regenerative Tourism for Social Development, 65-92.  
6. Deacon, H. (2003). Convention for the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage. Unesco.  
7. Getz, D., & Page, S. J. (2019). Event tourism: Concepts, international dynamics, and contemporary  
issues. Goodfellow Publishers.  
8. Getz, D., & Page, S. J. (2024). Event studies: Theory and management for planned events. Routledge.  
9. Hall, C. M., & Zeppel, H. (2011). Cultural tourism: Global and local perspectives. Pearson Education  
Australia.  
10. Hall, C. M., Gössling, S., & Scott, D. (Eds.). (2015). The Routledge handbook of tourism and  
sustainability (Vol. 922). Abingdon: Routledge.  
11. Hewison, R. (2007). The heritage industry: Britain in a climate of change. Methuen.  
12. Hwang, D., Stewart, W. P., & Ko, D. W. (2012). Community behavior and sustainable rural tourism  
development. Journal of Travel research, 51(3), 328-341.  
13. Ikeke, M. O. (2022). Terrorist cultural heritage destruction and ecotourism in Nigeria: Philosophical  
perspectives. East African Journal of Environment and Natural Resources, 5(1), 196–203.  
https://doi.org/10.37284/eajenr.5.1.738  
14. Jemiluyi, O. O., & Jeke, L. (2024). The role of human capital development in urbanization-economic  
growth nexus: A new insight on Nigeria. Sustainable Futures, 8, 100266.  
15. Naluba, T. S., & Goddy, O. (2020). Nigeria's tourism sector: Challenges and prospects. Journal ofAfrican  
Studies and Development, 12(4), 84-95.  
16. Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) Act, Cap 81 L.F.N. (1992).  
17. Nwaopara, J. N., & Emeafor, C. I. (2025). Online visual representation of Nigerian textile heritage in  
The Nation and Daily Sun newspapers. IMSU Journal of Communication Studies, 9(1), 1–12.  
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15240162  
18. Olonade, O., Oritsela, E., Motsemme, N., & Ngwane, T. (2025). The impact of tourism on socio-  
economic development in Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Infrastructure, Policy and Development, 9(2), 9486.  
19. Oruonye, E. D. (2013). The challenges of rural tourism development in Nigeria: A case of Yorro Iga,  
Taraba state Nigeria. Social Sciences Art and Humanities, 1(1), 1-6.  
20. Sorupia, E. (2005). Rethinking the role of transportation in tourism.  
21. Timothy, D. J., & Boyd, S. W. (2015). Tourism and trails: Cultural, ecological and management  
issues (Vol. 64). Channel View Publications.  
22. Tunbridge, J. (2023). Three decades in heritage tourism: a tribute to Gregory Ashworth. In Early Framers  
of Tourism Knowledge, Volume II (pp. 92-97). Routledge.  
23. Uchegbu, S. N., Chike, H., & Udeh, C. A. (2021). Management of environmental problems and hazards  
in Nigeria. Routledge.  
24. Van, B. T. (2024). The role of cultural tourism in the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural  
values among ethnic minority groups in Tuyen Quang. European Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social  
Sciences, 1(3), 355-360.  
25. Ye, J., Qin, Y., & Wu, H. (2024). Cultural heritage and sustainable tourism: unveiling the positive  
correlations and economic impacts. Current Psychology, 43(47), 36393-36415.  
Page 9111  
www.rsisinternational.org