Title:   CULTURAL TOURISM AND SOCIAL COHESION IN NIGERIA: EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE

Abstract
Nigeria's diverse culture, with over 250 ethnic groups and a history of religious tensions, provides a vibrant environment for exploring the intersection of cultural tourism and social cohesion. This article explores the potential of cultural tourism to promote intercultural dialogue in Nigeria. The study emphasizes the importance of traditional festivals, heritage sites, and community-based tourism in fostering mutual understanding, unity, and shared identity among diverse groups. The researcher used the Osun-Osogbo Festival, the Argungu Fishing Festival, and the Calabar Festival and Carnival as case studies to explore cultural commodification, representation, and inclusivity challenges in the tourism sector. The article highlights the potential of cultural tourism to bridge divides, preserve Nigeria's heritage, and strengthen national unity through sustainable and inclusive tourism practices. The researcher employed secondary documents such as books, journals, and other written materials in writing this article, and a descriptive method of analysis has been adopted. The study contributes to the growing understanding of cultural tourism's role in fostering peace and cohesion in diverse multiethnic societies.
Key words: Cultural tourism, social cohesion, Nigeria, intercultural dialogue.

Citations:

Publication Date: 2026-02-11