The Impact of Tourism on Economic Growth - A Study of sub-Saharan Africa
By
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My gratitude to my supervisor, peers and family members because their support and assistance enable me to complete this study.
DECLARATION
I adjudge that the entire content of this dissertation is entirely my own work; the content used in this dissertation has not been submitted before in any educational institution and represents my own opinion.
Signed __________________ Date _________________
ABSTRACT
In this research study, the aim is to highlight the relation between tourism and growth performance in the countries from sub-Saharan Africa and assess tourism as a development strategy. In addition, while the statistics on tourist arrivals put West Africa behind North Africa, Southern Africa, and East Africa, here again the rate of growth in the sub-region, which was higher than the other sub-regions as of 2005, indicates a growing potential for the tourism industry in this sub-region. Ecotourism has the potential to contribute to sustainable development, and provides an alternative to more resource dependant industries prevalent throughout the developing world. The developing world has an undeniable competitive advantage in terms of the variety and extent of unspoiled natural environments. Problems arise when communities and local governments unsuccessfully to go public and private institutions to enhance these dynamics of tourism development (loans, institutional aid, grants, consulting, facilitation, market access mechanisms, etc.). Mixed methodology was employed. the questionnaire responses and secondary sources findings were discussed and analyzed. After analysis and discussion it can be proved that the tourism activities are being improved in the sub Saharan African countries and due to which these poor countries are heading towards economic growth and prosperity.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII
DECLARATIONIII
ABSTRACTIV
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1
Background of the Research1
Aims and Objectives3
Research questions3
Dissertation layout4
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW5
Introduction5
Theoretical Framework5
Theory of Economic Development5
Economic Development Strategies7
Tourism in Africa10
Economic Growth and Tourism Impact in Africa11
Rural Tourism and Economic growth12
Summary13
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY14
Introduction14
Research Paradigm14
Research Design14
Mixed Methodology14
Justification of the research design17
Research instruments17
Questionnaire17
Secondary Research Methods18
Random Sampling18
Geographical location18
Limitation of the method19
Ethical Assurances19
Validity and Reliability19
CHAPTER 4: ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION21
Introduction21
Questionnaire responses21
Occupation21
Gender21
Age21
Number of Visits to sub Saharan Africa21
Preference to visit sub Saharan Africa instead of other countries22
Dissatisfaction for Tourist22
Tourism Activities22
Problems faced by Tourism Sector in sub Saharan Africa23
Recommendations24
Discussion25
Research findings from secondary sources26
Tourism and economic development26
Tourism and sustainable development in sub Sahara Africa30
Genocide in Rwanda and tourism destruction32
Summary33
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS34
Recommendations37
REFERENCES39
APPENDIX44
Questionnaire44
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
This chapter of the dissertation discussed the research topic and given the ample background on the economic development strategies in sub-Saharan Africa (Wisconsin Department of Development, 1992, 220). This chapter also highlighted the rationale behind choosing this topic, and its significance. As the tourism industry has grown, so has the academic recognition of tourism as a legitimate and productive economic activity (George, 2008, p. 305).
Since the 1950s, tourism has been part of an integrated strategy to fuel urban regeneration, develop transport systems, finance rural development, improve education, and encourage cultures and private sector development through employment and economic growth. Tourism is the practice of visiting another country to sightsee and to learn about the country and its people ...