As World Tourism Day approaches September 27, Nigerian TikTok creators are playing a pivotal role in promoting the nation’s tourism, using the platform to showcase its rich cultural treasures and diverse destinations. Popular hashtags like #TikTokTravel, #TravelTips, #PlacesToVisitInLagos, and #LuxuryTravel are trending, amplifying Nigeria’s tourism potential to a global audience.
World Tourism Day sets the stage for Nigeria’s highly anticipated “Detty December,” a month-long celebration brimming with concerts, festivals, cultural events, and parties. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Abuja, Detty December invites both local and international visitors to revel in the country’s vibrant cultural, music, and entertainment scenes.
At the forefront of this digital tourism revolution are Nigerian content creators, who are utilizing TikTok’s short-form video format to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s hidden gems. From famous attractions like the Yankari Game Reserve and Lekki Conservation Center to lesser-known gems like Obudu Mountain Resort and Agbokim Waterfall, these creators are driving awareness and encouraging travel across the country.
A TikTok Marketing Science US Custom Travel Destination Survey, published in April 2024, reported the impressive reach of travel-related hashtags, with #TravelTok alone surpassing 1.7 million video creations.
Highlighting Nigeria’s Diverse Experiences
The power of digital storytelling is enabling creators to showcase often overlooked parts of Nigeria. Lade Ibikunle (@ladeibikunle) explores both urban and rural areas, giving a glimpse into the rich festivities found in smaller towns and remote villages. Meanwhile, Steven Ndukwu offers an in-depth cultural perspective, spotlighting unique aspects of Nigerian life that are rarely documented.
For solo female travellers, Odenike Oresanya (@heynikeh) focuses on empowering female adventurers through her content. Having travelled to all 36 states, she emphasizes the safety and excitement of exploring Nigeria as a solo female traveler. Niyi Fagbemi (@theniyifagbemi), known for his stunning drone footage, captures Nigeria’s landscapes and cultural festivals in visually captivating ways, helping to position the country as a must-visit destination.
Creators like Boma Queen Wilcox (@coxie_thebrand) bring historical and cultural insights, acting as virtual tour guides for those seeking to enrich their travels with context. In Abuja, Nnenna Chibueze (@waka_waka_nnenna) provides a local perspective on the nation’s capital, uncovering both popular and hidden spots. Jumoke Munu (@thejumokesmiley_) adds a unique layer by vlogging in Yoruba, offering viewers a deeper cultural connection.
Practical Insights for Travellers
For those eager to experience the excitement of Detty December, Ephraim Bulus (@freezle_), the founder of Explore 9ja, is an essential resource. His content offers practical advice on travel logistics, from top tourist destinations to hidden local spots, making him a valuable guide for both local and international tourists.
As Nigeria prepares to welcome millions of visitors in 2024, TikTok has emerged as a key tool in promoting the country’s tourism potential. These creators are not only showcasing Nigeria’s beauty but also providing an accessible and engaging way for travelers to connect with the country’s culture, landscapes, and vibrant festivities.
Whether you’re exploring the lively streets of Lagos, uncovering the cultural gems of Abuja, or seeking out local traditions, these TikTok creators are your perfect guides to discovering Nigeria’s travel wonders this year.
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From World Tourism Day to Detty December: How Nigerian Creators Are Redefining Tourism Through TikTok
Lagos, Nigeria – September 26, 2024 – As the world prepares to celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September, Nigerian TikTok creators are highlighting the nation’s cultural treasures and promoting its tourism sector. They’re using popular hashtags such as #TikTokTravel, #TravelTips, #PlacesToVisitInLagos , and #LuxuryTravel to spread the word.
World Tourism Day serves as a prelude to Nigeria’s tourism celebration, #DettyDecember—a month-long celebration filled with concerts, festivals, parties, and cultural gatherings that draw visitors from around the world. From Lagos to Abuja, Detty December is the period when Nigeria’s cultural, music, and entertainment scenes shine brightest, and offers a unique opportunity for both locals and international visitors to explore the country’s diverse offerings in a festive atmosphere.
Nigerian content creators are at the forefront, leveraging TikTok to highlight the excitement of World Tourism Day and the upcoming Detty December for a global audience. With TikTok’s short-form video format and viral potential, these creators are shining a spotlight on Nigeria’s hidden tourism treasures, from vibrant cultural sites to festive celebrations.
Popular attractions like Yankari Game Reserve, Lekki Conservation Center, Obudu Mountain Resort, and Agbokim Waterfall are amongst the top recommended destinations by Nigerian TikTok creators.
A report by TikTok Marketing Science US Custom Travel Destination Survey via AYTM, April 2024 reveals that travel-related hashtags perform exceptionally well on the platform. The hashtag #TravelTok alone has over 1.7 million creations
Showcasing Nigeria’s Diverse Experiences
The digital shift is allowing creators to showcase parts of Nigeria that are often overlooked.
Lade Ibikunle (@ladeibikunle), who explores both urban and rural adventures beyond Lagos, showcasing festivities in smaller towns and remote villages. Her adventurous spirit and authentic storytelling appeal to a younger generation eager to discover both popular and hidden destinations across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Steven Ndukwu offers a more in-depth cultural perspective. His content provides valuable insights into the less-documented aspects of Nigerian life, such as the unique cultural practices that make Nigeria so special.
For solo female travellers, Odenike Oresanya (@heynikeh), who has journeyed through all 36 states, focuses on solo female travel. Her content is particularly empowering, emphasising that Nigeria is full of safe and exciting destinations for female adventurers.
Niyi Fagbemi (@theniyifagbemi) stands out with his cinematic drone footage of Nigeria’s landscapes and cultural festivals, delivering visual stories that draw viewers into the heart of Nigeria. His work, featuring everything from the Lagos skyline to local festivals, has helped transform Nigeria into a must-see destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Boma Queen Wilcox (@coxie_thebrand), provides insightful historical and cultural context, turning her TikTok platforms into virtual tour guides. Boma’s videos are perfect for those seeking to enrich their travels with historical knowledge and context.
In Abuja, Nnenna Chibueze (@waka_waka_nnenna) offers a deep dive into the heart of Abuja, focusing on the vibrant culture and hidden gems of Nigeria’s capital. As a dedicated tour guide, her love for the city and its surrounding areas is evident in her content, which reveals both well-known sites and little-explored treasures. Her videos provide a local perspective, making them a valuable resource for tourists and locals alike.
Jumoke Munu (@thejumokesmiley_), brings a unique cultural perspective to Nigerian travel content, offering viewers the chance to explore the country through the lens of a Yoruba-language travel vlogger. By using her native language, she adds a rich, authentic element to her videos, perfect for those wanting to connect more deeply with Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Practical Travel Insights for Visitors
For tourists planning to experience the thrill of Detty December, Ephraim Bulus (@freezle_), the founder of Explore 9ja, is the go-to resource. His content offers local and international travellers everything from expert tips on popular tourist destinations to lesser-known local gems. Through his detailed videos, Freezle provides practical insights on travel logistics, recommendations, and insider knowledge, making his platform an essential guide for anyone looking to explore Nigeria’s diverse landscapes.
As Nigeria anticipates welcoming millions of visitors in 2024, TikTok has emerged as a key platform in promoting the country’s tourism potential. These creators are not only showcasing the beauty and diversity of Nigeria but are also providing an accessible entry point for visitors to learn more about the country’s culture and festivities.
So, whether you’re planning to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Lagos, explore Abuja’s cultural gems, or dive into local traditions, these creators are your guides to experiencing the best of Nigeria’s travel scene this year.