The role of event and festival tourism in preserving cultural heritage: towards a new events calendar for the Maasai tribe, Tanzania


El Gamil R. A. M., Kariveliparambil A., Safaei M., Mustafa N., Zahoor H.

Frontiers in Communication, cilt.11, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 11
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fcomm.2026.1719520
  • Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Communication
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, Linguistic Bibliography, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: cultural heritage, event tourism, events calendar, Maasai community, Ngorongoro conservation area
  • İstanbul Gelişim Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The present study investigates the role of event and festival tourism in preserving the cultural heritage of the Maasai tribe in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, northern Tanzania. Quantitative data from structured questionnaires were collected using a descriptive-explanatory design. Findings show that perceived benefits of event tourism—economic growth, cultural preservation, and community pride—strengthen Maasai support for an event calendar, while perceived costs—commoditization, social disruption, environmental damage, cultural dilution, and displacement—fuel opposition. A conceptual model highlights how these factors shape community perceptions. Recommendations include involving the community in planning, promoting sustainable tourism, and raising awareness through education. The study offers practical guidance for culturally sensitive strategies that balance benefits and risks, ensuring long-term preservation of Maasai cultural heritage.