Summary: | The economic and conservative values associated with archaeotourism have drawn limited academic attention in
developing nations like Nigeria. This form of tourism bridges the gap between archaeology and the public; draws public attention to archaeological sites and as well generates funds. This study reviews some archaeological
studies in Igboland, document potential archaeotourism resources/sites in the area, and discusses the challenges
and prospects of archaeotourism in Igboland in south-eastern Nigeria. Secondary sources and in-depth interviews were used to generate data. The archival study of archaeological studies in the area reveals Archaeotourism as a neglected tourism niche worthy of exploration by tourism stakeholders within the study area and beyond. It, however, offers mutual and collaborative benefits to archaeology and tourism scholars, income to host communities, government, and archaeology and tourism stakeholders. Although there are some limitations, these can be surmounted. The implication of the study is that archaeotourism designed to align with the socio-economic cum socio-cultural milieu of Igboland seems a probable path for sustainable archaeological heritage management in the 21st Century, and an opportunity to boost tourism.
|