Geography
Tourism
Geography is the study of places and the relationship between people and their environment. Geographers explore both the physical properties of the Earth's surface and the human societies spread across it.In the context of dynamic and changing world, it is very crucial to study Geography so as to be able to achieve sustainable human development.
Tourism
Introduction
In this topic, you will learn about the concept of tourism, factors for the development and growth of the tourism industry in the world. You will also learn about the importance of tourism in the world and finally learn tourism in Tanzania, Switzerland and Namibia as focal studies
Objectives
By the end of this topic you will be able to define the concept of tourism, describe factors that contribute to the development and growth of tourism in the world, explain the importance of tourism in the world, identify the positive and negative impacts of tourism in the world, state ways of addressing the negative impacts of tourism, describe factors for the development of tourism in Switzerland, Namibia and Tanzania, explain the importance of tourism in Switzerland, Namibia and Tanzania, identify problems facing the tourism industry in Tanzania, explain the methods used to increase the income from the tourism industry in Tanzania, and discuss lessons that can be drawn to promote tourism in Tanzania
Concept of Tourism
Tourism
Define tourism
Meaning of Tourism
Tourism refers to the travel for recreation, leisure, religious, family, or business purposes, usually in a limited duration of time. Tourism involves travelling within the same country and between countries. Therefore, there are two categories of tourism, namely, domestic and international tourism
Domestic tourism involves travel within the same country. For example, when someone sets out from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park to view wild animals, he or she is practicing domestic tourism
International tourism involves travelling from one country to another for leisure, business, education, etc. For example, many people travel from Europe and America to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, view the wild game in national parks, or visit cultural places such as the Amboni Caves, Kilwa historical ruins, and other interesting sites for leisure and refreshment. International tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country's economy
Factors for the Development and Growth of the Tourism Industry in the World
Factors Which have Contributed to the Development and Growth of Tourism in the World
Describe factors which have contributed to the development and growth of tourism in the world
1. Physical factors
Good climate and beautiful scenes are two physical factors that contribute to the growth of tourism in a country
- Good climate: good climate is one of the most important features of attraction for any tourist place. A pleasant climate with warmth and ample sunshine attracts tourists who come from the temperate and colder regions. For example, most tourists from temperate countries visit Tanzania when it is winter in their home countries in order to enjoy the warm and favourable climate found in Tanzania. On the other hand, people from summer areas migrate to cooler regions to seek pleasure of coldness and fresh environment. Other countries such as Switzerland, Sweden, etc. have a cooler climate that attracts tropical tourists
- Beautiful scenery: This refers to the appearance of particular landscape which constitutes beautiful and attractive features to look at. The size, slope, depth, height among other characteristics contributes to the beauty and attractiveness of particular physical features and the associated scenes. For example, sunrise and sunset points, long sea beaches, mountains, craters, lakes, canyons, deserts, waterfalls, etc., often attract large numbers of tourists.
2. Socio-economic factors
- Accessibility: Of all socio-economic factors, accessibility is the most important one. All tourist centres must be easily accessible by various modes of transportation like roads, railways, air and water. To enjoy seeing nature's beautiful sites, travelling by roads and railways is a better option. If a tourist plans to reach a remote tour-destination in the quickest possible time, then airway is the most suitable choice. Generally, waterways are seldom selected unless a tourist decides to enjoy a luxury travel experience in sea and/or interested to visit an isolated group of islands.
- Accommodation: Places of tourists interest must be able to provide good accommodation and catering facilities. A type of accommodation required by tourists depends on their lifestyles, standard of living, capacity to spend money, nature of services expected, etc. Classification of accommodation centres (i.e. various hotels, motels, dormitories, lodges, cottages, etc.) on basis of rating, like five stars and below, is essential so that tourists can make a proper choice and plan their trips appropriately. Generally, tourism mostly prospers in those areas where good lodging and food facilities are available at reasonable prices.
- Amenities: Growth of tourism at a particular place is also influenced by crucial factors such as how well the site is maintained for touring activities like skiing, roping, paragliding, rowing, fishing, surfing, safari adventure, etc and whether emergency facilities are available or not, and so forth.
- Ancillary services: If a tour destination is equipped by ancillary (supplementary) services like banking and finance, the internet and telecom connectivity, hospitals, insurance, so on, then such a place succeeds to hold (retain) more tourists for a longer time. This helps to boost the local economy to some extent.
3. Political factors
Places or countries around the world which have peace, harmony and stability are liked by people to travel and visit. Tanzania is one the countries in the world whose political stability and culture peace and harmony contribute to the growth of its tourism industry. Tourists normally avoid areas with political problems such as civil wars. People travel less to countries affected with instability due to chaos such as war or terror attacks
Furthermore, Often, countries warn their citizens about visiting countries with political instability due to tribal wars, terror attacks, political unrest or other forms of instabilities and unrest. For example, after the September 11 terror attack on the US, the US government warned her citizens not to travel to certain destinations
Also, the government can influence growth of tourism industry by taking deliberate measures which include formulating policies that can encourage the development of the tourism industry in terms of budget allocation or financing as well as setting more favourable conditions which are not restrictive to visitors touring the country
4. Historical and cultural factors
Many tourists are attracted to places of historical significance and which have a legacy of rich cultural heritage. People love and enjoy exploring destinations where there are famous ancient monuments, marvellous forts, castles and palaces ruled by kings and queens in historical times, etc. Examples of places that are famous throughout the world for their historical and cultural accounts are Kilwa ruins in Tanzania, Fort Jesus in Kenya, Taj Mahal in India, Nazca lines and Machu Picchu in Peru, Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, Great Wall of China and Stonehenge in England.
Religious factors
Presence of places designated for religious purposes contribute to growth of tourism in the respective countries. People often make pilgrims to places of religious importance to seek inner peace, get the blessing of their favourite gods and spiritual leaders, attain salvation before death, etc. The faiths, beliefs and sentiments of people contribute to booming tourism at holy places. Examples of places that are well known for their religious significance are Jerusalem in Israel, Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia, Varanasi and Amritsar in India, etc
Other factors
- Adventures: Research activities and adventures of deep seas and caves, geological studies of hot-water springs and geysers, seismic analysis of active volcanoes, investigation of paranormal activities in abandoned spiritual towns, etc also contribute in developing tourism on some scale.
- Marketing: Tourism is nowadays being advertised via various mass media so as to alert the potential tourists about the presence of tourists’ attractions present in a given country. Various adverts are made via TV, radio, posters, documentaries, etc. In this way, the organizations and individuals involved in the tourism industry are able to attract many visitors. This leads to development of the tourism industry.
- Trained manpower: Availability of trained manpower encourages development and expansion of the industry. People are trained about hospitality and how to care for the tourists. Training is based on languages and communication skills, hotel management, tour guide, and any knowledge on handling of tourists. Decent hospitality in destination countries normally encourages the tourists to visit them frequently.
Importance of Tourism in the World
Importance of Tourism in the World
Explain the importance of tourism in the world
Tourism is important to the economy host country and the international community in a number of ways.
- i. Source of employment Tourism creates jobs through direct employment within the tourism industry. It also indirectly creates jobs in other sectors whose goods or services relate with tourism industry. The other sectors related to tourism include retail and transportation, tour guiding, tour operation, hotel management and pottery. When tourists spend their wages on goods and services, it leads to what is known as “multiplier effect”, creating more jobs. The tourism industry also provides opportunities for small scale business enterprises which is especially important in rural communities and generates extra tax revenues such as airport and hotel taxes which can be used to improve social services such as education, health, and housing in the host country
- Source of foreign exchange, Tourists pay for their services in foreign currency, which adds to the country’s stock of foreign currency. This in turn helps to stabilize the economy
- Improvement of infrastructure, The establishment and growth of tourism as a condition and consequence leads to improvements of infrastructures which include the renovation of existing roads and construction of new ones, development of airstrips and airports, and improvement of communication facilities. All of these benefit the visitors as well as the local people. Additionally, the new leisure amenities that result from tourism also benefit the local communities
- Promotes international relations, Tourism often involves the movement of people from one country to another. This movement of people promotes political, economic, and social relations between the countries. This is possible because through tourism people of different nationalities meet, share and exchange cultural views, values and norms
- Source of government revenue, Tourism earns the countries of destination the revenue through various sources. The sources include fees into game parks and reserves, taxes charged on various tourism services offered, and visa fees. The revenues and income obtained can be invested in improvement of social services
- Conservation of wildlife and environment and protection of historical sites, Tourism by nature mainly depends on existence of wildlife and historical sites. Therefore, development and sustainability of tourism in practice are incentive aspects for host countries to take measures for conservation of wildlife and natural vegetation. These in turn lead to conservation of soil and catchment areas
- Economic use of marginal lands, Tourism enables the marginal unproductive land to be used for economic development rather than staying idle. For example, national parks with wildlife which serve as tourist attractions occupy lands which are unproductive for crop growing and livestock keeping.
- Preservation of culture Tourism involves also depends on presence of traditional customs, handicraft, and festivals in particular localities and communities. Therefore, there is a need to improve and sustain tourism in a way that can be an incentive for the host countries to preserve their culture. Interactions between hosts and tourists create a better understanding of particular cultures that exist in the world. This in turn leads to spread and adoption of particular culture worldwide
Impact of Tourism in the World
Identify impact of tourism in the world
Tourism can cause both positive and negative impacts in developed and developing countries. Tourism when is carefully managed can lead to a number of positive impacts
Positive impacts of tourism
- As explained early, tourism has led to creation of job opportunities. Many people have been employed in the tourist sector, a fact which has helped improve their quality of life.
- It has led to development of infrastructure in host countries. In Tanzania, for example, roads to national parks such as Serengeti National Park have been improved. And also airstrips have been constructed in many national parks so as to facilitate the transport of tourists to and from the parks.
- It brings together people of different colours, cultures and religions. This leads to interaction of cultures, especially the awareness of other people’s values and belief which may be different from others. The outcome is realization of peace and harmony among different religions and culture.
- It leads to job creation in rural areas, thereby reducing rural-urban migration. This has led to reduction of population pressure and its associated effects in urban areas. In some cases, people move from urban to rural areas to engage in tourism activities.
- It has led to diversification of economies of countries involved in the sector. For example, tourism is now earring more revenue than agriculture and other sectors of the economy in Tanzania.
- Tourism has enabled sustainable conservation of wildlife and the environment and preservation of cultural heritage and historical sites.
- It earns the destination countries the much needed foreign exchange. For example, Tanzania’s economic growth is highly boosted by her flourishing tourism industry.
Negative impact of tourism
- Visitor behaviour can have adverse effects on the quality of life of the host community. For example, overcrowding and congestion, drug and alcohol problems, prostitution, and increased levels of crime can occur in areas where tourism takes place. There has been a marked increase in crime in areas frequently visited by tourists as these areas attract thieves who steal tourists’ and hosts’ properties as well as engaging in their illicit drug and other illegal businesses.
- Tourism can even infringe on human rights with locals being displaced from their land to make way for new hotels or barred from beaches. Interaction with tourists can also lead to erosion of traditional cultures and values.
- Tourism poses a threat to natural and cultural resources such as water supply, beaches, coral reefs and heritage sites through overuse. It also causes increased pollution through traffic emissions, littering, increased sewage production and noise.
- Successful tourism relies on establishing basic infrastructures such as roads, visitor centres and hotels. The cost of this usually falls on the government, so it has to come out of tax revenues that could otherwise be directed towards improvement of social services.
- Jobs created by tourism are often seasonal and poorly paid, yet tourism can push up local property prices and the cost of goods and services. Much as this has benefited the traders, the goods have become unaffordable to the locals.
- Money generated by tourism does not always benefit the local community as some of it leaks out to huge international companies such as hotel chains.
- Destinations depending on tourism can be adversely affected by events such as terrorism, natural disasters and economic recession. This may become a problem if the tourism sector is negatively affected. The governments and the local communities will be deprived of the foreign exchange leading to a drop in economic growth and hence the quality of life.
Ways of Addressing the Negative Impact of Tourism
State ways of addressing the negative impact of tourism
Ways of addressing negative impact of tourism include:
- Formulation and enforcement of policies and laws to ensure the revenue obtained from tourism benefits the local community and the government in general
- Extreme unacceptable behaviours and lifestyles which contradict the culture and traditions of the host communities must be restricted. For example, tourists can be sensitized on the behaviours or lifestyles that are considered extremely unacceptable in the host country and communities around tourist centres
- The countries and local communities that significantly depend on tourism industry need to diversify revenue sources such that when the tourism industry collapses, they do not suffer economic difficulties
- Tourists need to be required to appropriately dispose litter and be provided with facilities for disposing litter and other wastes. Additionally, putting restrictions on excessive number of vehicles to prevent air and noise pollution in tourist centres
- The laws, rules and regulations should be enacted and enforced to combat criminal incidences, child labour and human trafficking, drug abuse, and prostitution
- New tourist attractions should be established and developed so as to reduce the pressure exerted to already established tourist attractions
- Formulating policies and procedures to engage the local people more in tourism activities so that they benefit from conserving tourist attractions like wildlife conservation areas
- Integrating tourist activities with the protection of the environmental condition through the ecotourism approach.
Focal Studies on Tourism Industry
Factors for the Development of Tourism in Switzerland, Namibia and Tanzania
Describe factors for the development of tourism in Switzerland, Namibia and Tanzania
This section deals with tourism industries of selected countries around the world. In this case we shall study the tourism industries in Switzerland (Europe) and Namibia (Africa) as well as our own tourism industry in Tanzania.
Tourism in Switzerland
Switzerland is located in Central Europe. It is bordered on the North by France and Germany, on the East by Austria and Liechtenstein, on the South by Italy and on the West and South-West by France (Figure 6.1). This landlocked alpine country has an area covering 41,290 km2, making it slightly less than twenty-three times the size of Tanzania. Tourists in Switzerland are attracted by the Alpine climate and pleasant landscape for mountaineering. Mountaineering includes sport of mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, and skating. As of 2011, tourism accounted for an estimated 2.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Switzerland

Factors favouring the development of tourism in Switzerland
- Geographical factors:Switzerland is located in the centre of Europe, making it close to rich industrialised countries which are a major source of her tourists. These industrialised countries include France, Germany, Italy and Britain.
- Beautiful scenery:Switzerland is a land of intense natural beauty, dominated by mountain peaks. Most travellers visit the country to experience the scenery and are also pleasantly surprised by the cultural treasures found in the cities and tourism centres.Places such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel and Lausanne offer world-class museums, lively arts scenes, lovely old architecture, fine dining and all the luxuries that come with great cities. There are also many smaller towns and resorts that can serve as a base for tourists looking to enjoy the landscape.
- Favourable climate:The climate is moderate, with no excessive heat, coldness or humidity. The snow during winter, encourage winter sports such as skiing and ice skating. Warm and sunny summers facilitate viewing of the beautiful scenery as well as swimming and sunbathing.
- Good transport system:Switzerland has a well development transport system, ranging from trains to ferries to cable cars that easily take visitors to tops of the mountains. Some means of transport include cars, buses, electric trains, cable cars and aerial lifts access mountain resorts. And because Switzerland is a small country its attractions are close together, so most of them can be reached quite easily.
- Accommodation:Switzerland has a great number of first-class hotels to suit the needs of its tourists. There are also cottages, camping sites, taverns and guest houses.
- Hospitality:The Swiss hospitality standard and methods have traditionally been regarded as the best in the word. The Swiss people are hospitable and the personnel handling tourists are well trained and efficient. The Swiss people speak a number of different languages, making it easy to communicate with visitors from a number of different countries.
- Political stability and neutrality:Switzerland has been and continues to be neutral in world affairs such as the world wars. As such, tourists from different parts of the world feel free and safe to visit the country since it has no enemies to endanger its security. With a low crime rate, Switzerland is very safe for tourism.
- Package tours:There are well planned and organised package tours. They include availability of all tour arrangements including hotel bookings and travel are done by experienced and reputable companies. Additionally, the diverse and quality tour facilities are affordable. These tour facilities contribute to the increase in number of tourists visiting Switzerland year after year
- Centre for international meetings:The headquarters of many international organisations such as WHO, ILO, FIFA, UNHCR and many others are based in Switzerland, particularly in the cities of Zurich and Geneva. Many meetings and conventions are held in Switzerland. People attending these meetings and conventions also take time off to tour the country, thus contributing to the country’s leisure business and tourism industry.
- Industrialization:Switzerland produces a variety of manufactured goods, some of which are used in the tourism industry. Because the country is highly industrialised, the employees earn good income and are able to save for holidays. Domestic tourism accounts for more than 25% of the tourist population.
The Importance of Tourism in Switzerland, Namibia and Tanzania
Explain the importance of tourism in Switzerland, Namibia and Tanzania
The significance of tourism in Switzerland
- Source of employment:Many Swiss are employed in the tourism sector. About 5% of the workforce is employed in the sector, although this share is higher in mountain regions than it is in urban areas. This has enabled the people to improve their incomes and hence their standards of living.
- Source of foreign exchange:Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange. It is the third largest foreign exchange earner, thus contributing significantly to the country’s economy.
- International relations:The tourists visiting Switzerland from different countries help strengthen the relationship between Switzerland and the tourists’ countries of origin.
- Source of revenue:Tourism is a major source of Switzerland’s revenue. It accounts for about 3% of the total GDP.
- Environmental conservation:To ensure constant visit by tourists, the Swiss have taken much efforts to conserve their environment. Some measures have been taken to reduce emission of green house gases which can cause global warming and hence melt the snow on the Alps, thus destroying tourist attractions.

Importance of tourism in Namibia
- The revenue obtained from tourism industry is invested in the development of infrastructure such as transport and communication as well as improving other public services.
- Tourism contributes significantly to the country’s economy. It is the third contributor to the GDP after mining and agriculture respectively.
- The people of Namibia are employed directly and indirectly by the tourism sector. Employment in tourism amounts to about 20% of all formal jobs in Namibia. This has helped to reduce the level of unemployment in the country and has improved the living standards of Namibians significantly.
- Tourism has had a positive impact on resource conservation and rural development. It has ensured preservation of tourism attractions like national parks, game reserves, forest reserves and cultural centres. Some fifty commercial conservancies have been established across the country, covering 11.8 million hectares of land, resulting in enhanced land management while providing thousands of Namibians with much needed income.
- Social services have improved in the country especially with the introduction of community-based tourism.
- Namibia is highly respected by other stakeholders in the tourism industry especially in ecotourism. This promotes cooperation between Namibia and other countries of the world.
Tourism in Tanzania
Tanzania is bordered by Kenya and Uganda to the North, Rwanda, Burundi and the DRC to the West, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the South. The country bordered to the East by the Indian Ocean. There are three main tourism circuits in the country. The tourist attractions that are well known in the country are located in the northern circuit and include Mount Kilimanjaro (Africa’s highest mountain), Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Reserve, Arusha Momella National Park and Manyara National Park. The attractions in the western circuit include lakes Tanganyika, Rukwa and Victoria as well as Katavi, Gombe and Rubondo National Parks. In the Southern circuit there is Ruaha, Mikumi and Udzungwa National Parks, Selous Game Reserve, the coastal beaches with white sands, the ancient towns, mosques and palaces
Tourism is also concentrated on the coast especially the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Game fishing and diving are the main attractions in the islands. There is also a wide variety of destinations for cultural tourism such as Maasai bomas and Bushmen settlements. Additionally, tribal lifestyles such as dressing, dances, local art and craft. Others include traditional architecture and styles of house construction constitute tourist attractions in the country
Factors favouring the development of tourism in Tanzania
- Scenery landscape, The country consists of large landscape with natural scenery attractions for tourists. They include high peaks covered with snow. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest in Africa and the second highest in the world, Ngorongoro crater, the Rift Valley and the mangrove forests along the coastlands
- Wildlife, More than 44% of Tanzania’s land area is covered with game reserves and national parks. The parks are adorned with various wildlife species which include lions, zebras, elephants, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, snakes, and thousands of other wild game. There are 16 national parks, 40 controlled conservation areas and marine parks. All of these are the home of diverse wildlife species (Figure 6.6)

- Pre-historical and archaeological sites, There are many historical sites in Tanzania which include the Amboni caves (in Tanga), Kondoa Irangi rock paintings, Kilwa and Bagamoyo ruins, Olduvai Gorge in Serengeti Plain, Stone Town, the Arab Fort, and many other sites scattered in the country. An example of an archaeological site is Isimila in Iringa
- Conducive climate, Tanzania’s climate varies from tropical climate along the coast to temperate climate in the highlands. Visitors enjoy sunbathing in the warm sunny climate at the coast and along the lake shores. This type of climate is conducive especially for tourists who avoid extreme cold climate in their mother countries
- Peace and harmony, Tanzania is a very peaceful country and enjoys political stability. This makes tourists feel secure and at home when they visit the country. This has attracted and attracts many tourists to visit the country each year.
- Hospitality, Tanzanians are very hospitable, friendly, kind and helpful to visitors. This traditional hospitality makes visitors feel valued, honoured and welcomed
- Government support, The government has shown greater interest and efforts to promote the tourism industry. Touristpromotion offices have been opened in Sweden (Stockholm), USA (New York) and England.Thegovernment,throughtheMinistryofNaturalResourcesandTourism,hastakenvariousmeasuresandstrategies to promote internal tourism as well as involving the local communities in conservation andpreservationof tourist attractions
- Cultural diversity, Tanzania has a rich cultural diversity with over one hundred and twenty tribes. Each of these tribes has own unique culture which presents a wide range of cultural tourist attractions. Tanzania is also well known and respected in matters relating to the Kiswahili language. It, therefore, attracts researchers and other groups of people interested in the language
The importance of tourism in Tanzania
The government of Tanzania receives foreign exchange from the tourism industry. Revenue is collected on visa and gate fees at national parks and other sources. Companies involves in hunting wildlife also pay money for the game hunting blocks and licenses. The money obtained is invested in development projects and provision of social services.
- Improvement in the standard of living, People who work in tourist related activities earn incomes which enable to afford buying other goods and services and improve their livelihood. Incomes earned improve the purchasing power which in turn stimulates development of other sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture
- Source of employment, Many Tanzanians are employed directly and indirectly in the tourism industry. People are employed to work in tourist hotels as porters who carry tourist luggage, tour guides and agents, and as owners of tourist companies
- Improvement of infrastructure, Tourism has led to development and improvement of transport and communication infrastructure and other sectors which benefit the local communities and other people in the country
- Enhance market for locally produced goods and services, The goods and services provided locally are sold to tourists and other people who engage in tourism. Tourism, therefore, provides a ready market for agricultural produce and locally manufactured goods, such as sugar, cooking oil and artefacts. Availability of markets promotes trade as well as the development of local industries
- Environmental conservation, Involvement of the local communities in the tourism industry has made it possible for these communities to participate in environmental conservation activities. The conserved environment benefits all people residing around and away from these tourist attractions. For example, forest conservation reduces the problem of greenhouse effect and global warming, an act that is beneficial to the general community
- Strengthening of international relations, Tourism helps to strengthen the relationship between Tanzania and the mother countries of the visitors. This improves understanding and cooperation
- Source of foreign exchange, It is estimated that tourism generates 25% of Tanzania’s foreign exchange. With increased promotion and establishment of new tourist sites, the figure may increase in future. This, in turn, improves the country’s economy and hence the living standards of her people
Problems Facing Tourism Industry in Tanzania
Identify problems facing tourism industry in Tanzania
Problems facing the tourism industry in Tanzania include:
- Poor transport and communication:Transport and communication infrastructures are still in a very poor state. Many tourist attractions are in remote areas but the roads connecting them from major urban centres are very poor. This makes the attraction sites accessible only in some months of the year. The roads are very uncomfortable to drive on. Access to communication services, such as internet is also difficult and expensive wherever available. This tends to discourage the tourists to visit attractions located in remote areas.
- Poor marketing:The tourist attractions in the country have not been well advertised to local and international tourists, hence most of them are unknown. Very little effort has been put to market the industry worldwide via mass media and forums.
- Human encroachment:The ever increasing human population has led to encroachment on national parks and game reserves. This threatens the wildlife in their natural habitats.
- Limited capital:Tanzania is a very poor country with a very poor economy. Much of her revenue is directed towards provision of social services such that very little capital is left to be invested in other sectors of the economy including the development of tourism industry.
- Poor coordination policies:There is poor coordination on matters concerning tourism between the government and stakeholders in the industry. The lack of proper coordination on polices and marketing, among other issues, hinders the development of the industry.
- Crime:High crime rates in tourist attraction areas discourage tourists from visiting these areas. This makes the industry lack the much needed income, thereby hampering its development.
- Poaching:Poaching in Tanzania is at alarming levels. This is one of the major problems affecting wildlife conservation. Many animals are killed by armed poachers each year for trophies, especially elephant tusks. The problem has led to extinction of some animals such as the white rhinoceros, some birds and animals. The number of elephants in the parks has drastically reduced in recent years following poaching.
- Competition:There is a stiff competition from other countries with the same attractions, which are more developed and have a good set up of tourist facilities in terms of transport and infrastructure, more comfortable and cheap hotels, favourable climate and ample communication facilities.
- Language:Very few people employed in the tourist industry can speak many of a range of foreign languages apart from English and French. Therefore, failure to master different languages creates a communication barrier between the locals and the tourists.
Methods Used to Increase the Income of Tourism Industry in Tanzania
Explain methods used to increase the income of tourism industry in Tanzania
Ways of increasing income from the tourism industry include:
- Marketing and publicity:The government and other stakeholders must put more efforts in advertising tourist attractions found in the country so as to attract many tourists to visit them. This will, in turn, increase the government revenue and the money obtained from the tourism industry will be invested in tourism development and improvement of social services.
- Promotion of domestic tourism:In spite of the government’s efforts to promote domestic tourism, participation of the locals in visiting tourist attractions is still very low. The government through the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources has an obligation to further advertise and promote domestic tourism so as to encourage more locals to visit tourist attractions. This undertaking can be achieved through reducing the gate fees into game parks, game reserves and other attractions for local tourists.
- Package tours:Package tour or package holiday consists of transport and communication advertised and sold together by a vendor known as tour operator. Other services may be provided such as a rental car, activities or outings during the holiday. Package holidays are organised by a tour operator and sold to a consumer by a travel agent. Some travel agents are employees of tour operators, others are independent.Package tours are affordable and less taxing to the tourists. Organising such tours will encourage more people to visit since they are cheap and most of the organising is done by a company.
- Expanding tourist industry:New tourist attractions like coastal areas and lakes should be opened and developed so as to attract more visitors to visit the country. Tanzania has already started developing the coastal areas into tourist centres. Also archaeological and cultural centres should be developed. There are many of such centres in Tanzania but they have not yet been fully developed and advertised to potential tourists.
- Training of tourism personnel:Tourism is a service industry and the tourists must get the quality service for the money they spend. When they get better services they are more likely to visit again. It is therefore important to have trained personnel who are capable of offering the best services. Tourism courses are offered at universities and colleges.
- Improvement of infrastructures:The existing transport and communication infrastructures are not yet sufficiently developed to offer the quality services to tourists. There is need to improve the existing infrastructures, together with construction of the new ones. Improved and quality infrastructures will encourage more tourists to visit the country and hence increase the revenue gained from the industry.
- Improvement of safety and security:Safety and security to tourists is a very important aspect in development of tourism. Measures should be taken to prevent any sort of crime around tourist centres and in the whole country. This will influence the tourists to visit Tanzania as they will be sure of their personal and property safety.
- Controlling poaching:Poaching reduces the number of game and may lead to extinction of some wildlife species. Because wildlife is the major attraction to tourists visiting the country, more game wardens, rangers, and guards should be deployed to combat poaching activities in game parks and reserves. The government should employ more game protection personnel and equip them with appropriate weapons to fight against poachers.
Lessons to Promote Tourism Industry in Tanzania
Discuss the lessons that can be drawn to promote tourism industry in Tanzania
How to promote tourism in Tanzania
- The ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, through Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), must promote Tanzania’s tourist attractions through conducting publicity campaigns, preparation and publication of destination brochures and provision of tourist information.
- Improvement and development of transport and communication infrastructures, particularly in areas with tourist attractions, in order to make these attractions accessible from the town centres.
- Tourism resources such as national parks and game reserves should be protected from human encroachment. Also the environment on which the animals thrive, such as natural vegetation and water resources should be conserved.
- There is need to identify and develop tourist attractions and improve the existing ones so as to diversify the tourist activities. Special emphasis should be put on improvement of pre-historical and archaeological sites, most of which are in very poor states.
- The level of hospitality to tourists must be improved through training of the tourism personnel so as to meet the world’s standards.
- Attracting both local and foreign investors to put up facilities such as hotels, motels, lodges, etc. for tourists.
- The political stability, peace and tranquillity should be maintained to ensure maximum security to tourists.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter we learnt about tourism as a temporary movement of people to places of interest for leisure, pleasure, studies and trade or business, outside their normal working stations or home. There are two categories of tourism, namely, domestic and international tourism
The factors that influence the development of tourism in the world include physical factors (good climate and beautiful sceneries), socio-economic factors (accessibility, accommodation, amenities and ancillary services), political factors, historical and cultural factors, and religious factors. Other factors include adventures, marketing, and trained manpower
The importance of tourism includes source of employment, source of foreign exchange, improvement of infrastructure, promotion of international relations, source of government revenue, conservation of wildlife and environment. Others include protection of historical sites, economic use of marginal lands and preservation of culture
Tourism has both negative and positive impacts. Negative impacts are bad outcomes from tourism while positive impacts are beneficial outcomes from tourism. The negative impacts of tourism are addressed or solved in different ways depending on the laws governing tourism matters in respective host countries
The factors favouring the development of tourism in Switzerland include geographical factors, beautiful scenery, favourable climate, good transport system, accommodation, hospitality, political stability and neutrality, package tours, centre for international meetings, and industrialization
The significance of tourism in Switzerland includes source of employment, source of foreign exchange, international relations, source of revenue, and environmental conservation. The problems facing tourism in Switzerland include heavy snows, strong competition from other countries, Competition between tourism industry and transhumance, steep slopes of the mountains, and environmental littering by tourists
The factors favouring the development of tourism in Namibia are numerous tourist attractions, strategic marketing, strong tourism policy, solid investment, improvement of infrastructure, and regional cooperation
The importance of tourism in Tanzania are source of revenue, improvement in the standard of living, source of employment, improvement of infrastructure, market for locally produced goods and services, environmental conservation, strengthening of international relations, and source of foreign exchange
Problems facing the tourism industry in Tanzania are poor transport and communication, poor marketing, human encroachment, limited capital, poor coordination policies, crime, poaching, competition from other countries, and language barriers
Ways of increasing income from the tourism industry include improvement of marketing and publicity, promotion of domestic tourism, package tours, expanding tourism industry, training of tourism personnel, improvement of infrastructures, improvement of safety and security, and controlling poaching
Revision Questions
Question Time 6
A.1. Tourism is important for economic growth because it .
- is a leisure activity
- generates government revenue
- is conducted during holidays and so it saves tourists‟ time
- involves travel within the country and between countries
2. A tourist visiting Tanzania from the USA is said to practise_____
- Local tourism
- Foreign tourism
- International tourism
- Cross-border tourism
3. The following are the negative impacts of tourism except
- prostitution
- alcohol addiction
- littering of the environment
- infringement on human rights
4. One of the ways in which the negative impacts of tourism may be addressed is through .
- establishment and development of new tourist attractions
- regulating the number of tourists who visit the country
- reducing the number of tourist attractions in the country
- culling some animals in the parks
5. The problem of poaching in Tanzania national parks can be controlled by .
- deploying more game rangers and guards to take care of wildlife
- introducing more game parks and reserves
- diversifying the tourism industry
- removing wildlife from the parks
6.A pleasant climate is regarded as .
- One of the physicals factors favouring tourism
- A negative impact of tourism
- The only physical factor affecting tourism
- The most important of all physical factors that four-tourism industry
7. Tourist attractions should be accessible by all means of transport in order to .
- Enable tourists to pay little gate fees at the national parks
- Facilitate easy movement of tourists
- Improve the means of transport and communication
- Earn more foreign exchange from oil imports
8. Of all social-economic factors that favour tourism is the most important one
- Accommodation
- Amenities
- Ancillary services
- Accessibility
9. Tourism marketing can be done via all the following means except
- websites
- tv and radio advertisements
- documentaries
- political rallies
10. How can tourism infringe on the human rights of the host community?
- Barring the local people from beaches and other places of tourist importance
- Creation of employment to local people
- Littering the environment
- Inflation of the local currency
11. The following are the factors that favour the tourism sector. Which one is not?
- Favourable climate
- Wildlife
- Political instability
- Availability of accommodation
12. Why is the classification of accommodation facilities important?
- It offers a wide choice for tourists depending on their spending powers
- It enables tourists to pay less for accommodation spaces
- It makes the tourists feel happy and willing to visit again
- It ensures the tourists pay more for fewer services
13. The government policy may affect tourists visiting the country in the following ways
- Creating favourable conditions which are non-restrictive to tourists
- Financing of tourism and charging high rates for tourism services
- Charging no fees for tourism services
- Giving tourists’ maximum freedom when in the host country
14. An example of visitor behaviour which can affect the host community negatively is
- walking posture
- dressing styles
- skin colour
- aggressive behaviour
15. One of the ways of addressing the negative impacts of tourism is
- barring some tourists from visiting the country
- beating up the tourists who do not comply with the set rules and guidelines
- putting in place the laws and policies that govern the tourism industry
- prohibiting the local people from undertaking tourism businesses
B. For each of the following statements, write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if the statement is not correct
- Wildlife is the main attraction of tourist in Tanzania____
- Hospitality is not important in the tourism industry____
- Religious factors favour the development of tourism____
- Tourism is the only industry that earns Tanzania foreign exchange____
- Switzerland is located in Western Europe____
- The Alps are both used for tourism and transhumance_____
- One of the factors that favour tourism both in Tanzania and Switzerland is hospitality____
- About 5% of the Swiss workforce is employed in the tourism sector____
- Poor transport and communication systems are not important in tourism development_____
- 80% of Tanzanians are employed in the tourism sector ______
C. Match the items in Group A with the corresponding items in Group B.
| Group A | GroupB | ||
| 1 | Travelforrecreation,leisure,religious,family,orbusinesspurposes | A | Kondoa Irangi |
| 2 | Travellingfromonecountrytoanother | B | Isimila |
| 3 | Negativeimpactoftourism | C | Switzerland |
| 4 | EtoshaNationalPark | D | Namibia |
| 5 | Archaeologicalsite | E | Intermarriage |
| F | Prostitution | ||
| G | Domestictourism | ||
| H | Internationaltourism | ||
| I | Tourism | ||
| J | Adventure |
D. Short answers
- Mention the two types of tourism
- State four reasons that explain why tourism is important.
- Outline any five factors that favour the development of tourism in the world.
- Why is tourism regarded as the source of employment?
- State four important conditions for the development of tourism in Tanzania.
- Describe the problems that hinder the development of the tourism sector in Tanzania
- Explain the negative effects of the tourism industry in Tanzania
References
- Focus, F.D and Said, S.N (2014). Fundamentals of Geography Form Two. Longhorn Publishers. Dar es Salaam.
- Adejuwan, J.C. (1979). An Introduction to the Geography of the Tropics. Thomas Nelson and Sons Ltd. Lagos
- Morgan, W.T.W. (1945). East Africa: Its People and Resources. Oxford University Press. London.
- Morrish, M. (1972). Development in the Third World. Oxford University Press. London.
- Msabila, D.T. (2003). A Focal Study on Human and Economic Aspects. Afroplus Industries. Dar es Salaam
- Mzezele,S.andKibuuka,P.(2014).GeographyInFocusFormTwo.OxfordUniversityPress Ltd.DaresSalaam
- Peterson, J.H. (1976). Land, Work and Resources: An Introduction to Economic Geography. Edward Arnold. London
- TanzaniaInstituteofEducation(2002).GeographyCourseBookforSecondarySchoolsBookTwo.EcoprintLtd.DaresSalaam.
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