Community-Based Homestay as a Form of Sustainable Tourism in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the potential for developing community-based homestays in Nigeria. Community-based homestays are a sustainable form of tourism that has the capacity to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With its abundant natural and cultural resources, Nigeria has not yet fully utilized these potentials for community-based homestays, which could serve as a strategy for the sustainable development of local communities facing livelihood challenges. Stakeholder theory serves as the theoretical foundation for this study, particularly in its application to a nascent concept. We proposed a framework for effective tourism development in Nigeria, focusing on acceptability, feasibility, and potential outcomes. Qualitative research was conducted through focus group discussions (FDGs) with purposively selected tourism stakeholders, including academia, tour operators, NGOs, and local communities, and further analyzed thematically. The study emphasizes that embracing stakeholder theory rather than relying on a top-down approach is crucial for effectively addressing the varied concerns of key participants before launching community-based homestay tourism. This approach seeks to maximize benefits while minimizing challenges. The result shows that developing community-based homestay tourism in Nigeria is achievable if all stakeholders work together to create supportive tourism policies and agree on a collaborative management framework for the initiative. Furthermore, it is essential to consider the needs of residents by including them in the homestay management committee. Local communities should receive sufficient funding, and effective marketing strategies must be put in place to promote the initiative. To ensure acceptance of homestay tourism among local communities, it is vital to communicate its benefits to potential operators, respect local cultures, and guarantee that economic gains are shared fairly.