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 ...