How Nigeria can exploit creative tourism to boost revenue, by Wale Ojo-Lanre

Travel

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is a treasure chest filled with rich cultural diversity, natural beauty, and historical significance. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene beaches of Akwa Ibom, and the historical landmarks across the northern kingdoms, Nigeria has a myriad of attractions waiting to be explored. While these assets are well-known to locals and a select group of international adventurers, a tremendous opportunity exists to leverage a creative tourism approach to unlock Nigeria’s potential as a leading travel destination and boost revenue significantly. Creative tourism transcends traditional travel experiences. It invites tourists to actively participate in local cultures, learn new skills, and immerse themselves in the destination’s spirit. Rather than passively observing, tourists engage in the creative process – be it through traditional art forms, culinary practices, or local festivals. This experiential travel paradigm paves the way for sustainable growth in tourism by utilising existing cultural assets. Consider the remarkable efforts of Chief Nike Okudaiye, the founder of Nike Arts Gallery, who has spent over four decades consistently promoting creative tourism in Nigeria. Through her gallery, she immerses tourists in the vibrant cultural tradition of Adire making, a unique form of indigo-dyed fabric that embodies the artistic heritage of the Yoruba people.  By offering hands-on workshops and interactive sessions, Chief Okudaiye allows visitors to learn the intricate techniques of Adire creation, transforming their travel experience from mere observation to active participation. This not only enriches tourists’ understanding of Nigerian culture, but also supports local artisans and preserves traditional crafts. Her dedication to this cause has not only elevated the profile of Adire but also positioned Nike Arts Gallery as a premier destination for creative tourism, attracting enthusiasts from around the globe. Nigeria’s historical wealth can easily be packaged and promoted through interactive experiences. For example, tourists can participate in pottery workshops in the historic town of Nok, known for its ancient artefacts, or join traditional dance lessons in Osogbo, incorporating both cultural education and hands-on experiences.  Take the case of Nnenna Nwakanma, an indigenous artist who has successfully run art workshops in the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove.  Her programmes not only teach participants about traditional Yoruba art techniques but also emphasise the importance of preserving local culture, thus generating income for both her and local artisans. With over 800km of coastline, Nigeria boasts idyllic beaches that promise relaxation and adventure. Locations like Tarkwa Bay and Lekki Beach can host unique experiences such as local fishing festivals, sea-inspired art workshops, or kite festivals, attracting both local and international tourists eager for immersive experiences. Tunde Afolabi, a creative entrepreneur and coastal community advocate, has pioneered events combining local fishing practices with eco-tourism. His initiatives have drawn both tourists and fishing enthusiasts, promoting sustainable practices while offering visitors an authentic connection with the local culture. Nigeria is home to diverse ecosystems that are ripe for ecotourism. The Yankari Game Reserve and Cross River National Park hold tremendous potential for nature lovers. Guided eco-friendly tours featuring traditional survival skills nurtured by local guides could appeal to environmentally-conscious travellers.  Also, Dr. Amina Ibrahim, a conservationist dedicated to wildlife protection and eco-tourism in Nigeria. Through her organisation, Dr. Ibrahim facilitates volunteer programmes where tourists participate in wildlife tracking and habitat restoration. Such experiences foster a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s biodiversity while providing tangible benefits to local communities. The country’s varied topography, including the Mambilla Plateau and Olumo Rock, is a haven for adventure seekers. Combining adventure tourism with cultural immersion – like hiking followed by local folklore sessions or culinary tasting – can transform these natural sites into exciting destinations.  Odunayo Olusegun, a local tour operator specialising in adventure tourism, conducts hiking trips on the Mambilla Plateau. His innovative approach includes storytelling sessions around campfires where locals share regional folklore, zealously entrenching tourists in Nigeria’s rich history and cultural heritage. Nigerian festivals like the Argungu Fishing Festival and Osun-Osogbo Festival are incredible cultural showcases. Expanding these events to include pre- and post-festival workshops where tourists learn local dances or engage in traditional arts and crafts can draw in more enthusiastic participants. Yiola Sokanu, a cultural curator, breathes new life into traditional celebrations by organising workshops tailored around festival themes. Her initiatives have not only increased tourist participation but also provided local artists and craftsmen with platforms to showcase their skills. To fully harness Nigeria’s tourism potential, we must adopt several coordinated strategies: Empower locals as facilitators and guides to ensure authenticity and create jobs. Collaborations with travel agencies and local businesses can enhance tourists’ experiences. Also Read Leverage social media platforms to showcase Nigeria’s vibrant tourism offerings through videos, influencer marketing, and interactive content that can attract a global audience. Address transportation and accommodation challenges in rural tourist hotspots while ensuring the safety of visitors to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Implement eco-friendly initiatives that prioritise environmental conservation, minimising the impact of tourism while fostering community development. Design customised packages catering to the diverse interests of travellers, from culinary experiences to adventure sports, assuring personalised experiences. By focusing on creative tourism, Nigeria can carve out a unique niche on the global tourism map. This vibrant approach not only has the potential to boost economic growth but also to empower local communities and celebrate Nigeria’s rich heritage. The time to act is now; with a united vision, Nigeria can turn its cultural and natural wealth into thriving tourism assets, showcasing the country’s beauty to the world while transforming lives in the process. . Ojo-Lanre is the Director General of the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development.
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Majorca tourist warning as holiday island loved by Brits ramps up safety checks

Travel

Tourists in Majorca have been issued a major warning as the holiday island  loved by Brits ramps up safety checks.The Balearic Government is creating a maritime surveillance service to protect their coastlines and areas of environmental value.The Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle will obtain a fleet of 22 boats, 12 of which will be assigned to ports to respond to operational needs. The other 10 will be used for inspection and control, particularly on yacht usage.The new service, currently undergoing public consultation, is part of a reform to nautical charter activity regulations in the Balearics. The minister, Juan Manuel Lafuente, says the change will reinforce safety and the sector’s sustainability as well as combat intrusion and unfair competition.Mr Lafuente believes the new service “will represent a qualitative leap in our capacity to monitor and manage the coast”. He said it would provide more efficient and effective action to protect natural heritage and people’s safety.This would appear to be a response to the incident off Cala Bona in August last year, when a yacht hit a small fishing boat, killing 22-year-old Guiem Comamala. There have been increasing complaints about the number of boats and the lack of control, and therefore the safety, of tourist-related activities.This comes as it emerged that a growing number of tourists is opting for Majorca’s smaller neighbour, Menorca. Holiday searches to the island increased by 341% this year, far outstripping its larger neighbours. Among the reasons highlighted for this sudden switch are cheaper package holidays, available from as little as £300, budget air routes and the appeal of quieter tourism for families. The fact that Brits may have been made to feel unwelcome in Majorca and Ibiza due to last year’s multitude of overtourism protests could also have played a role in the decision-making protest.

Majorca tourist warning as holiday island loved by Brits ramps up safety checks

Travel

Tourists in Majorca have been issued a major warning as the holiday island  loved by Brits ramps up safety checks.The Balearic Government is creating a maritime surveillance service to protect their coastlines and areas of environmental value.The Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle will obtain a fleet of 22 boats, 12 of which will be assigned to ports to respond to operational needs. The other 10 will be used for inspection and control, particularly on yacht usage.The new service, currently undergoing public consultation, is part of a reform to nautical charter activity regulations in the Balearics. The minister, Juan Manuel Lafuente, says the change will reinforce safety and the sector’s sustainability as well as combat intrusion and unfair competition.Mr Lafuente believes the new service “will represent a qualitative leap in our capacity to monitor and manage the coast”. He said it would provide more efficient and effective action to protect natural heritage and people’s safety.This would appear to be a response to the incident off Cala Bona in August last year, when a yacht hit a small fishing boat, killing 22-year-old Guiem Comamala. There have been increasing complaints about the number of boats and the lack of control, and therefore the safety, of tourist-related activities.This comes as it emerged that a growing number of tourists is opting for Majorca’s smaller neighbour, Menorca. Holiday searches to the island increased by 341% this year, far outstripping its larger neighbours. Among the reasons highlighted for this sudden switch are cheaper package holidays, available from as little as £300, budget air routes and the appeal of quieter tourism for families. The fact that Brits may have been made to feel unwelcome in Majorca and Ibiza due to last year’s multitude of overtourism protests could also have played a role in the decision-making protest.

Brits given tourist warning of shocking ‘scam’ in front of Paris landmark

Travel

Paris is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, which unfortunately means that scammers target the vast numbers of people that visit the French city.A warning has been issued about a strange hustle that some attempt at the 19th century Sacré-Cœur Catholic church and basilica in Montmartre.The social media account parisinmypocket described the move as a “scam” in a TikTok video.It involves men standing on “curvy bits” of path outside the landmark approaching visitors and trying to place a “friendship bracelet” on their wrists. But, the account warns, “these dudes aren’t your friends”.It adds: “If you encounter them, just say ‘NO’ and keep walking.””If you’re coming to Paris, and you find yourself in Montmartre in front of Sacré-Cœur, and some guy standing on one of these little curvy bits is staring at you, and then goes for you with a little bit of string and tries to put it on your wrist, that’s a friendship bracelet.”Unfortunately, what this guy never learned was that friendship doesn’t work this way.”And once he gets the bracelet on you, he’ll tighten it, and then he’ll hold on and be like, ‘hey, now that we’re friends, maybe you can give me something in return?'”Again, that’s not how friendship works. This is not also how Parisians work. This is a scam, and you’re going to want to watch out for it.”The account then advises tourists to keep their hands to themselves and “just say no”.In 2023, Sacré-Cœur reportedly had 10.5million visitors.The building is known for its white domes, having been modelled after the porch of Périgueux Cathedral.The area around the basilica includes Place du Tertre, which, as with many tourist hotspots in Europe, such as the area surrounding the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, is known for its painters and cartoonists.

Public trust in science holds steady globally

Science and Health

Study reveals high confidence in scientists but flags gaps in openness and priorities.

Study: Trust in scientists and their role in society across 68 countries. Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

The advent of modern science brought profound changes to human life and thought, often replacing traditional beliefs with evidence-based practices. However, concerns have emerged in recent years, suggesting that trust in science may be weakening.

A study published in Nature Human Behavior recently examined public opinions across 68 countries to explore the extent of this perceived decline and the reasons behind it.

Why public trust in science matters

Trust in science is essential for fostering public engagement with evidence-based policies in critical areas such as health, climate change, and disease management. When trust is high, compliance and cooperation with policies rooted in scientific research improve significantly.

Earlier studies indicated that trust in science was widespread, but recent media narratives have challenged this perspective. To better understand the situation, the study analyzed global attitudes to address potential biases and cultural differences.

Study overview

The study surveyed 71,922 participants across countries. Conducted between November 2022 and August 2023, it assessed public trust in scientists using a 12-item scale that measured competence, benevolence, integrity, and openness. These metrics were combined into a composite index to capture overall trust levels.

Factors influencing trust

The researchers investigated how demographic, political, and cultural factors influenced trust in scientists. They also considered the impact of unethical research practices, lack of reproducibility, misinformation, and conspiracy theories, all of which can erode public confidence in science.

SANS™ Institute product overview: Safeguard your business-critical web apps and APIs with a WAF

Business News

Safeguard Your Business-Critical Web Apps and APIs with a WAF.A recent report from analyst firm, SANS says the FortiWeb web application firewall (WAF) is “easy to navigate, and policies were simple to create and modify.” The report provides a review of FortiWeb capabilities including:WAF controlsBot mitigationAnomaly detectionAPI protectionand moreDownload the report to find out more.Provided by Fortinet