Abstract

Cultural tourism has emerged as a strategic avenue for promoting sustainable development by fostering sociocultural preservation and environmental stewardship. This study examines the role of cultural tourism in enhancing sociocultural and environmental sustainability in Lagos State, Nigeria. Drawing on a multidisciplinary framework, the research explores how cultural heritage, traditional practices, and community engagement can be leveraged to achieve broader sustainability goals, including those articulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The quantitative and descriptive methods were employed in this study, supported by empirical literature to assess the opportunities, best practices, and challenges associated with integrating sustainability into cultural tourism. Findings reveal that while cultural tourism in Lagos holds considerable potential for reinforcing social cohesion, heritage conservation, and ecological responsibility, its development is hindered by limited policy frameworks, environmental mismanagement, and inadequate community participation. The importance of inclusive governance, environmental awareness, and the adoption of community-based tourism models to achieve sustainable outcomes were also presented. The study concludes that for cultural tourism to serve as a catalyst for sustainable development in Lagos State, stakeholders must adopt a holistic strategy that integrates cultural integrity, social inclusion, and environmental consciousness. The findings provide policy insights for governments, tourism planners, and heritage managers seeking to align tourism growth with sustainable development objectives.

Keywords:Cultural Tourism, Sociocultural Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Eyo Festival, Lagos, Nigeria