Tanzania's Treasure: Community Empowerment through Sustainable Cultural Heritage Tourism

Stephen Jeuma Bakari, Kwame Ntow-Gyan, Jane Dery, Edwina Asamoah, Peace Ankor, Comfort Gyeduah and Kyei Patience
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Stephen Jeuma Bakari: School of Tourism and Hotel Management, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian, China. Department of History and Archeology, The University of Dodoma, Dodoma, Tanzania.
Kwame Ntow-Gyan: School of Tourism and Hotel Management, Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian, China. Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana W/A.
Jane Dery: 2Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana W/A
Edwina Asamoah: Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana W/A
Peace Ankor: Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana W/A
Comfort Gyeduah: Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana W/A
Kyei Patience: Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Sunyani Technical University, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana W/A

Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2024, vol. 60, issue 1, 330-347

Abstract: Tanzania, rich in history and cultural diversity, has become a prominent destination for cultural heritage tourism. This study aims to explore the impact of cultural heritage tourism on local community empowerment and sustainable development by assessing how cultural heritage tourism serve as a catalyst for socio-economic growth while preserving the nation's unique cultural assets. The research employed a qualitative methodology, utilizing in-depth online interviews with government officials and community stakeholders. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, followed by snowball sampling to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Interviews were conducted in Swahili and later translated into English for analysis. Thematic and content analysis were used to identify recurring patterns and key insights from the data. Findings indicate that cultural heritage tourism significantly contributes to job creation and economic development in Tanzania, particularly in areas like Serengeti National Park and Bagamoyo Historical Town. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited funding for conservation, and insufficient community involvement pose threats to the sustainability of these initiatives. The study highlights the need for comprehensive stakeholder engagement, effective policy frameworks, and community-based initiatives to enhance the positive impacts of cultural heritage tourism. It concludes that cultural heritage tourism holds substantial potential for empowering Tanzanian communities and promoting sustainable development. By fostering community engagement and implementing responsible tourism practices, Tanzania can harness its cultural heritage to achieve long-term socio-economic benefits and preserve its rich cultural legacy.

Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:tec:journl:ojs:11403

DOI: 10.47577/tssj.v60i1.11403

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