‎Intentionality with Positivity Breeds Development, Reimagining Domestic Tourism in Southwest Nigeria. ‎

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Southwest Nigeria is richly endowed with landscapes, culture, history, festivals, cuisine, creative industries and resilient communities. From the ancient walls of Ile-Ife and the hills of Ekiti, to the coastal charm of Lagos and Ondo, and the cultural heartbeat of Ibadan and Abeokuta, the region possesses all the ingredients of a thriving tourism economy. Yet, the full potential of domestic tourism remains largely untapped. Unlocking this potential requires one powerful combination: intentionality and positivity.

‎Intentionality speaks to deliberate planning, structured investments, and consistent policy direction. Positivity reflects belief in local destinations, pride in heritage, and confidence in homegrown experiences. When both intersect, development becomes not just possible but inevitable.

‎Domestic Tourism as a Development Engine

‎Domestic tourism is more than leisure; it is a strategic economic tool. It stimulates small businesses, creates jobs, strengthens value chains and promotes inclusive growth. Hotels, transport operators, artisans, tour guides, food vendors, photographers, cultural performers and farmers all benefit when residents choose to explore within their region.

‎Southwest Nigeria’s growing middle class, youth population and creative economy present a strong market for local travel experiences. Daycations, weekend getaways, urban hikes, heritage walks, cultural festivals, food tours, eco-retreats, and community homestays are increasingly appealing to Nigerians seeking affordable and meaningful travel.

‎With intentional planning, domestic tourism can reduce dependency on international visitors and build a resilient tourism economy anchored by Nigerians themselves.

‎Intentional Infrastructure and Product Development

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Many attractions in the Southwest already exist but require targeted improvements. Intentionality means prioritising access roads, signage, visitor information centres, restrooms, safety infrastructure, and basic amenities around tourism sites. It also means curating experiences rather than merely showcasing locations.

‎For example, a waterfall becomes more valuable when packaged with guided tours, storytelling, picnic spaces, cultural demonstrations and souvenir markets. A mountain becomes more attractive when supported by mapped trails, trained local guides, conservation education and periodic hiking events. A heritage town becomes a destination when its history is documented, interpreted, and presented through museums, walking tours, and festivals.

‎Small, consistent upgrades implemented with purpose can dramatically increase visitor satisfaction and repeat patronage.

‎Positivity as a Mindset Shift

‎For too long, many Nigerians have perceived tourism as something that happens “abroad.” Positivity challenges this mindset by celebrating local beauty, talent, and innovation. It encourages citizens to see value in their surroundings and take pride in showcasing them.

‎Positive storytelling through media, social platforms, photography, documentaries, blogs and community narratives plays a crucial role. When people consistently see beautiful images, engaging stories and authentic experiences from within Southwest Nigeria, curiosity grows and confidence builds.

‎Positivity also influences host communities. When residents feel proud of their heritage and understand its economic value, they become better custodians of tourism assets, more welcoming to visitors, and more invested in preservation.

‎Community-Centred Tourism

‎Intentional domestic tourism must place communities at the heart of development. This involves training local youths as guides, storytellers, hospitality assistants and conservation stewards. It means supporting women-led craft groups, food vendors and cultural troupes to become part of tourism supply chains.

‎When communities earn directly from tourism, protection of heritage and nature becomes a shared responsibility rather than an imposed rule. This model promotes sustainability and reduces conflict around land use and resource management.

‎Public-Private Collaboration

‎Government alone cannot build a thriving tourism ecosystem. Intentional partnerships between public institutions, private investors, tour operators, hotels, creatives, universities, NGOs, and community groups are essential.

‎State tourism boards can provide policy direction and infrastructure, while private players develop experiences and marketing. Academic institutions can support research and documentation, and media houses can amplify stories. This collaborative approach spreads risk, encourages innovation, and accelerates growth.

‎Youth, Creativity, and Digital Power

‎Southwest Nigeria’s youth population is a powerful asset. Intentional inclusion of young people in tourism planning, content creation, and entrepreneurship brings fresh ideas and digital energy.

‎From virtual tours and destination reels to travel blogs and booking platforms, technology lowers entry barriers and expands market reach. Positivity-driven digital storytelling can turn hidden gems into trending destinations overnight.

‎Measuring Development Beyond Numbers

‎Development should not be measured only by visitor counts or revenue, but also by improved livelihoods, preserved heritage, cleaner environments, safer communities, and stronger local identities. When intentionality guides actions and positivity shapes attitudes, tourism becomes a catalyst for holistic development.

‎Conclusion

‎“Intentionality with positivity breeds development” is not just a slogan; it is a practical roadmap for domestic tourism in Southwest Nigeria. By deliberately investing in people, places, and experiences, while cultivating pride and belief in local destinations, the region can unlock a vibrant tourism economy driven by Nigerians, for Nigerians.

‎The journey begins with a simple choice: to see value in what we have, to tell our own stories with confidence, and to intentionally build the future we desire; one destination at a time.

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‎Ogbeni Babajide Fajuyi.

‎Ado-Ekiti.

‎05/02/2026.

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