Tourism Development in Niger Delta and Its Impact on Soft Power Diplomacy of Nigeria 1960-2024

Abstract

This study explores the impact of tourism development in the Niger Delta on Nigeria's soft power diplomacy, emphasizing how leveraging the region’s rich natural resources and cultural heritage can enhance the country's global image and foster international cooperation. It aims to promote eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and community-based tourism in the Niger Delta to attract international visitors, foster positive perceptions, and strengthen Nigeria's global image through sustainable tourism initiatives. The study adopts the concept of soft power diplomacy as its theoretical framework, emphasizing cultural exchange, environmental preservation, and community development as tools for enhancing national image and fostering global cooperation. A qualitative methodology was employed, relying more on data from extant academic literature, government reports, and case studies of successful tourism initiatives in similar regions. The findings highlight the region’s significant tourism potential and reveal challenges such as environmental degradation, inadequate infrastructure, and security concerns. Engaging local communities and fostering international partnerships for capacity building and knowledge transfer are identified as essential steps to harness the region's tourism potential. The study recommends developing robust tourism infrastructure, enhancing security measures, launching targeted marketing campaigns, engaging local communities in tourism activities to ensure sustainability, and establishing international partnerships for technical support. The study is of the view that by strategically addressing these challenges and implementing sustainable practices, the Niger Delta can become a pivotal element of Nigeria's soft power diplomacy, enhancing its tourism potential, improving its global image, and supporting broader diplomatic and economic objectives. The abstract should be restructured. It should follow this order.