ABSTRACT

Marriage is an event with many ethnic and religious traditions, whose celebration differs from culture to culture, the mystification of it and globalization itself has made some tendencies in the celebration on this event.

The study seeks to identify the types of marriages, explore how traditional marriages can be used to promote tourist destinations and exploit the challenges faced by this event in the promotion of tourist destination in Cameroon.

The inability to raise the necessary capital required to host this cultural event is another major challenge they face, due to the absence of sufficient capital and lack of the original materials needed for the performance of some the marriage rite and also due to modernisation of the culture by removing some practices has cause problem of originality of their beliefs and norms of how traditional marriages should be carryout in Tombel.

Thus based on the above problems, this study looks at royal marriages in the promotion of tourist destination in Tombel.

The study made use of both primary and secondary data that were obtained through field survey, questionnaires and interview and was analysed with the aid of Microsoft Excel Vs 2016 and presented using percentages and tables.

Data obtained from the field proved that traditional/ Royal marriages in Tombel were facing some challenges in the promotion of Tombel as a tourist destination. This work recommends advertisement is a necessary factor to create awareness in the mind of the world of the rich potentials of traditional and royal weddings in enhancing destinations and promoting its growth through tourism

                                                                             CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

This study focuses on the role of events ( royal marriages ) in promoting tourist destination in Tombel, South West region of Cameroon. This introductory chapter provides a background of the research, it presents the problem statement, research questions, objectives of the research, hypothesis, scope, significance of the study and closes with definitions of operational terms.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Events can generate intense publicity and awareness, enrich the quality of local people and attract tourists from outside the area.

Moreover, events contribute to maintaining and enhancing local community cohesion and identities, engendering pride in the community; strengthening a feeling of belonging; creating a sense of place, and creating a cultural and social environment for tourists attending the event as argued by (Derrett, 2003).

This study sets out to explore these elements in details as to its apparently not the case in Tombel. The potentials and importance of this event will be put into question.

Furthermore, the socio-political crisis currently been faced by the southwest region in general and Tombel, in particular, has acted as a cut-off link to support this traditional event to promote Tombel as a tourist destination with the majority of the tourist (both local and international) doubting they are safe and secure while thinking of travelling to Tombel.

As a result of this only locals are forced to attend such events that are not frequently held due to the current state of insecurity and lack of finances.

Also, the outbreak of Covid-19 restricting people from travelling and organizing such heritage events from happening around the world has been acted as a speed breaks for events such as royal weddings in attracting tourist to Tombel thereby promoting the town as a tourist destination.

The inability to raise the necessary capital required to host this cultural event is another major challenge they face, due to the absence of sufficient capital and lack of the original materials needed for the performance of some the marriage rite and also due to modernisation of the culture by removing some prac  tices has cause problem of originality of their beliefs and norms of how traditional marriages should be carryout in Tombel. Thus based on the above problems, this study looks at royal marriages in the promotion of tourist destination in Tombel.

1.3 Research Question

1)  What are the various types of traditional marriages in Tombel?

2) How can traditional marriages promote Tombel as a tourist destination?

3) What are the possible challenges faced by traditional marriages in the promotion of tourist destination in Cameroon?

4) What measures can be put in place to enhance traditional marriages role in promoting Tombel as a tourist destination?

1.4 Research Objective

1.4.1 General Objective

The study seeks to examine the role of royal marriages in the promotion of tourist destination in Tombel

1.4.2 Specific Objective

• To identify the types of marriages
• To explore how traditional marriages can be used in the promotion of tourist destination
• To exploit the challenges faced by this event in the promotion of tourist destination in Cameroon
• To make recommendations for the promotion of tourism through events