Background of the Study
Storytelling is an age-old tradition that plays a significant role in preserving and sharing the history, culture, and values of indigenous communities. It is a medium through which oral traditions are passed down, fostering a connection between generations and showcasing the uniqueness of a people. In the tourism sector, storytelling has emerged as a dynamic tool to enrich visitor experiences, offering authentic insights into local cultures. Indigenous communities, like those in Niger State, possess a wealth of oral traditions and narratives that, when properly integrated into tourism, can attract visitors and create lasting impressions (Nguyen et al., 2023).
Niger State is home to diverse ethnic groups, each with its distinctive language, customs, and folklore. These narratives often revolve around historical events, festivals, heroes, and cultural landmarks. By incorporating storytelling into tourism, the state can provide immersive experiences that not only entertain but educate visitors about the richness of indigenous life. Research has shown that experiential tourism, which focuses on engaging the senses and emotions of visitors, has a stronger impact on tourism development compared to traditional models (Ogunbiyi et al., 2024).
However, despite its potential, storytelling as a tourism strategy in Niger State is underutilized. While cultural festivals and events occasionally feature oral traditions, there is little evidence of structured storytelling programs targeted at tourists. Addressing this gap can contribute significantly to the state’s tourism development, improve the livelihoods of local communities, and preserve indigenous heritage (Kalu et al., 2023).
Niger State’s rich cultural heritage remains underexplored in tourism promotion. While the state boasts diverse natural and cultural attractions, the lack of innovative approaches such as storytelling limits its ability to compete in the global tourism market. Tourists often seek unique, authentic experiences that offer a deeper understanding of local life. Unfortunately, the absence of structured storytelling programs has resulted in missed opportunities to harness the emotional and cultural appeal of indigenous narratives (Ogunleye, 2023).
Moreover, the erosion of oral traditions due to modernization and declining interest among younger generations threatens the sustainability of this cultural asset. Without intervention, valuable stories that define the identity of Niger State’s communities may be lost. There is a critical need to explore how storytelling can be systematically integrated into tourism to enhance visitor experiences, preserve indigenous heritage, and boost the local economy.
To examine the role of storytelling in enhancing tourism experiences in Niger State.
To identify key indigenous stories and traditions that can be integrated into tourism.
To assess the impact of storytelling on the preservation of indigenous culture and heritage.
How does storytelling influence the tourism experience in Niger State?
What are the key indigenous narratives that can be used for tourism promotion?
What is the impact of storytelling on the preservation of Niger State’s cultural heritage?
Storytelling has no significant impact on tourism experiences in Niger State.
Indigenous narratives do not significantly contribute to tourism promotion in Niger State.
Storytelling does not significantly aid in preserving indigenous culture and heritage.
This study focuses on the role of storytelling in promoting indigenous tourism experiences in Niger State. It examines key narratives from selected ethnic groups and their integration into tourism activities. The research is limited by the availability of documented oral traditions and accessibility to storytellers in remote areas.
Storytelling: The act of sharing narratives orally to convey traditions, values, and history.
Indigenous Tourism: Tourism that emphasizes the culture, traditions, and lifestyles of indigenous communities.
Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations.
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