An assessment of the willingness to undertake domestic tourism activities at national parks in Uganda by residents of Kampala Metropolitan areas

Abstract

The study sought to assess the willingness of the residents of Kampala Metropolitan area to visit National parks and other wildlife areas in Uganda. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from respondents. The broad objective of the study was to assess the willingness of Kampala Metropolitan Areas to undertake domestic tourism visits to National parks and other wildlife areas in Uganda, this objective was achieved through identifying the factors that influence the willingness of Kampala Metropolitan Areas to visit National parks and other wild areas in Uganda, The most preferred tourist activities by Kampala Metropolitan residents while in National parks and other wildlife areas and to identify the relationship between Kampala Metropolitan residents’ perception of wildlife conservation and their willingness to visit National parks and other wildlife areas in Uganda. A sample of 134 respondents participated in the survey. Structured questionnaire with both open and closed ended questions were used to collect data. Responses to the study. The results showed that the prediction model of the outcome was obtained from factors correctly classified at 78.4%. Males were 3.347 times more likely to visit National parks and other wildlife areas of Uganda than females. Age was the main factor influencing the willingness of KMA residents to visit National parks other wildlife areas of Uganda. The statistics revealed that Safari drives and bird watching were the main activities KMA residents participated in while in National parks and other wildlife areas with mean of 4.10 (Safari drives) and 3.84 (Bird watching) respectively. According to the study, there is no significant relationship between wildlife conservation attitude and willingness to visit National parks and other wildlife areas.