As cultural tourism becomes important in policy and research, the synergy of culture, art and other built environment disciplines in urban tourism is significant and relevant in cities. While architectural and artistic structures can be listed as landmarks and cultural focal points, studies on tourism locations have largely treated heritage and ecotourism sites as prime locations in geographical terms. This paper is an empirical analysis on the current state of artistic and socio-cultural icons in African cities that examines the transformation of urban spaces within the field of urban tourism. Analysing the city of Abuja, Nigeria this paper assesses the relationship between iconic structures and the city, and the utilization of an aesthetic and cultural model for place-making. Through an ethnographic approach, this analysis is carried out in the contexts of culture, art, and history, and mediated by urban spaces. As evident from findings, the placemaking transformation of the city is driven by the need to create vibrant cultural scenes and attract both local and foreign tourists. Themes emerge that indicate tensions between cultural commodification and community empowerment, and shows that the transformation of urban spaces in Abuja is driven by a desire to create a vibrant cultural scene and attract tourists. These transformations have implications for tourism and cultural policy in Abuja and other cities in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper contributes to the understanding of cultural identity and tourism and highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable urban development that prioritizes community engagement and cultural sensitivity.

Authors:
Lloyd Robinson, Northumbria University, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Lloyd Robinson is currently an Associate Lecturer and and doctoral researcher at the Newcastle Business School, Northumbria
University, United Kingdom.

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