EMERGING CONCERNS AND PREVAILING PROBLEMS IN HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CULTURAL TOURISM IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the emerging concerns and prevailing problems in historical monuments and cultural tourism in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. It was designed to investigate the challenges and issues impeding historical monument and cultural tourism in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted a survey research design approach. Both stratified and purposive sampling techniques were adopted. In the stratified sampling technique, Akwa Ibom State was divided into three (3) senatorial district, eight (8) local government areas within the three senatorial district were purposively selected for the study, and approximately 385 questionnaire were used in collecting data from the respondents. The findings highlight challenges and issues like the threat of urbanization and development, inadequate funding, negative environmental factors, lack of community awareness and involvement, and inadequate tourism infrastructure. In conclusion, the study highlights the foundational importance of precisely locating and spatially analysing historical monuments for effective conservation, tourism development, and cultural preservation. The study recommended that a multi-stakeholder task force should be established that will develop actionable strategies to address sustainable urban development policies, developing environmental protection measures for the monument sites.