Traditional marriage festivals and tourism development

Abstract

The traditional marriage festival is a tourism potential that is yet to be fully  recognized by the people and government. It is to be made known to the  outside world to entice tourist influx from within and outside Nigeria and also expose the accruing social and economic benefit associated with it; if given necessary funding and promotion for both the host community and the state government alike. Field work, observation and oral interview were the research instruments used to gather information from the tourist, host community,  tourist product provider, and the government officials present at the 2012  festival. These are the people who will benefit greatly from the festival, if fully harnessed. The traditional marriage is a colorful dance and folksongs  traditional festival. The inhabitants of Ekiti State are hospitable people. This type of marriage wedding will help diversify the state economy, provide employment for youth, women and even less privileged skilled and unskilled in the community. Its sustainability will boost the tourism industry.

Keywords: Traditional, marriage, festival, development, tourism.