Visitors’ and Hosts’ Perception of Makerere University as a Tourist Destination

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess visitors and hosts perception of Makerere University as a tourist destination. The objectives of the study were: to describe the tourist attractions, facilities and activities at Makerere University; to assess visitors‟ and hosts‟ perception on Makerere University as a tourist destination; to examine strategies for enhancing the visitors and hosts experience at Makerere University. In a bid to achieve the above objectives, primary and secondary data was collected by the researcher through questionnaire and interview as the data collection methods and descriptive analysis was carried out. A total of 140 respondents responded positively by filling in questionnaires including visitors and hosts. 5 tour guides of different tour companies were interviewed making a sample size of 145 respondents. The research findings reveal that visitor have positive perception of Makerere University as a tourism destination finding also indicate that tourism and visitor‟s presence in Makerere University have caused positive impacts like encouraging conservation of the environment. However negative impacts to the hosts‟ community have been identified like increase in prices of goods and services, noise pollution, littering among others. It was recommended in the study that Makerere University Management should put in place a visitor‟s information center, carry out marketing of Makerere University as a tourism destination, improve on some facilities within the University, put in place rules and regulations that govern visitors while in Makerere University. This will enhance visitors and hosts experience at Makerere University.