Potential of Sir Samuel Baker's Fort Patiko for tourism growth in Gulu District

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess thepotential of Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort Patiko for tourism growth in Gulu District. The objectives were; 1) to assess the attitude of local communities adjacent to the historical site towards development of tourism; 2) to identify the factors limiting the development of the historical site as a potential tourism destination;and 3) to identify strategies for developing historical sites as tourism destinations.Questionnaires were used to collect from 60 respondents including35 community members, 20 tourists and 5 key informants. The results showthat the community supports development of Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort Patiko as a tourism destination because it would stimulate development in the area, generate jobs, provide market for different items and facilitate research and serve as a site. The largest number of community members had a positive attitude towards tourism development at the historical site.The factors limiting development of historical sites as a potential tourism destination include: poor hotels, poor roads, insecurity, lack of funds, high level of illiteracy, poor communication networks, limited skilled labor, insufficient power supply and limited tourism services at the site. The main strategies to promote Sir Samuel Baker’s Fort Patiko include increasing funding, diversification of tourism activities, improving infrastructure, training workers, employing community members and marketing the fort. In terms of diversification of tourism activities, the following options are recommended exploiting establishing Sir Samuel Bakers trail, exploiting the nearby Ajulu hill for hiking.