The contribution of Tororo Rock towards tourism development in Tororo municipality, Tororo District

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the extent to which Tororo Rock has contributed towards tourism development in Tororo municipality, Tororo District. The specific objectives of the study were: To examine the contribution of tourism towards development in Tororo District; to find out challenges to development of Tourism in Tororo District and to identify the tourism facilities and services around Tororo rock. This study used a sample of 50 participants from Tororo District including 15 tourists, 25 local people and 10 administrators. The study adopted a descriptive research design involving both qualitative and quantitative methods. Using two data collection techniques of questionnaires and interviews, the researcher collected data about the contribution of Tororo Rock towards tourism development in Tororo municipality, Tororo District using questionnaires as the main research instruments. The study revealed that the rock contributes a lot to tourism development in Tororo District. It helps in the development of infrastructure, provides market to products in the community; it provides employment opportunities to the community, helps to open new business in the area, impacts on Balance of Payment, reduction of poverty, it leads to development of tourism destinations. The researcher concluded by establishing recommendations to the government and local people which included tourism diversification, using good marketing techniques to market the rocks, organizing tour packages for the local population at affordable prices, local population should be sensitized about conservation of resources to achieve sustainable tourism, Investment and financing should be emphasized to develop and promote quality, Tourism businesses should carry out competitor analysis, the government should set up strict laws on local people quarrying in the rocks, Tourism destinations should be given financial assistance from the Ministry of Tourism, wildlife and antiquities and NGOs and more training in form of seminars and workshops is needed.