Exploring Tourist Preferences in Abuja: The Role of Infrastructure, Security, and Cultural Offerings

Tourism plays a vital role in shaping urban development and cultural identity, particularly in emerging destinations such as Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Despite Abuja’s potential as a hub for cultural and heritage tourism, the sector faces persistent challenges relating to inadequate infrastructure, perceived insecurity, and underutilization of cultural assets. This study explores how infrastructure, security, and cultural offerings influence tourist preferences in Abuja. A structured survey was administered to both domestic and international tourists, complemented by statistical analysis including factor analysis, chi-square tests, and correlation. The findings reveal that accessibility and infrastructure (transport, signage, accommodation) are strong predictors of tourist satisfaction, while perceptions of security significantly influence international tourist choices. Cultural offerings—including festivals, heritage sites, and crafts—enhance visitor engagement and repeat visitation, particularly among domestic tourists. The results suggest a segmented pattern of preferences, where international tourists prioritize safety and heritage routes, while domestic visitors are more drawn to religious and cultural architecture. The study concludes that developing Abuja’s tourism requires a balanced strategy that improves infrastructure, guarantees safety, and leverages cultural diversity. Policy implications are provided for government agencies, tourism boards, and private sector stakeholders, while recommendations highlight the need for integrated urban tourism planning.