Assessing the interplay between tourism development, cultural preservation, and economic growth in Nigeria: a case of the Osun Groves, Osogbo

Tourism at the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nigeria, significantly boosts local revenue and employment while posing risks to cultural authenticity and environmental sustainability. A qualitative case study involving interviews with stakeholders, site observations, and policy analysis revealed that while tourism drives economic growth and heritage preservation, over-commercialization and inadequate infrastructure threaten long-term resilience. Community engagement and traditional custodianship are critical for maintaining the site's integrity. The research underscores the need for equitable benefit-sharing, improved infrastructure, and stricter conservation regulations to balance tourism development with cultural and environmental preservation.

Olagoke, O., Adetola, B. O., & Ayeni, D. A. (2026). Assessing the interplay between tourism development, cultural preservation, and economic growth in Nigeria: a case of the Osun Groves, Osogbo. Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, 16(7), 381–398. https://doi.org/10.1108/jchmsd-05-2025-0143