Assessment of the local people’s perceptions on the economic impacts of urban tourism; a case study of Jinja municipality

Abstract

This study was about the assessment of the local people’s perceptions on the economic impacts of urban tourism; a case study of Jinja municipality. Fifty (50) respondents were selected for the study including hospitality personnel, leaders like the village chairpersons and the households. The objectives were to; (1) To identify urban tourism attractions in Jinja municipality that can aid in tourist satisfaction, (2) To examine the local people’s perceptions on the economic impacts of urban tourism in Jinja municipality and lastly. (3) To assess the challenges faced by the local people in Jinja municipality due to urban tourism and make recommendations. Interview schedules and documentary review were used to collect data. Interview schedule questionnaires were administered to the key informants including households, community leaders and hospitality personnel. Research revealed that the most popular attractions in Jinja municipality were Source of the Nile, Nile bridge, falls like Rippon and Bujagali, Masese landing site, Industries like Nytil and Busoga culture. Similarly, the research revealed that Hotels and restaurants Banks, Communication facilities, recreation facilities, Shopping centers and markets and Petro and gas station as the major facilities that contribute to customer’s smile in Jinja municipality. Research showed how local people of Jinja municipality perceive urban tourism and responses were recorded for example, they perceived this kind of tourism as a rich man’s activity, some had a view that it is in development stage plus many others as further explained in the next chapters. The research also revealed people of Jinja municipality perceived the economic impacts of urban tourism as it is a source of employment, market for local people’s goods and services, Source of income as some are employed in the sector, and source of development funds as positive impacts as well negative economic impacts as increased costs of living and competition between businesses however urban attractions can enhance the tourist experience and gives them knowledge about Busoga culture.