Impact of culture on tourism development in Uganda: a case study of Hoima district.

Abstract

Culture creates authenticity and distinctiveness in the global tourism market. In this regard tourism experiences‖ that can connect people and visitors to local cultures are very important. Purpose of the study was to examine the impact of culture on tourism development in Uganda; a case study of Hoima district in Bunyoro sub region. The study was based on three objectives namely: to assess the impact of people towards tourism development, to assess the impact of cultural sites to tourism development in Uganda and to assess the impact of cultural institutions towards tourism development in Uganda. Using a cross section design both qualitative and quantitative data was collected from 71 respondents using questionnaires and interviews. Both spearman’s regression analysis and regression analysis were used to show the relationship between variables. The findings show that people’s norms and practices have been positive fundamental transformation which has enhanced cultural sites, cultural institutions and development of tourism (R= 0.99, Sig 2-Tailed, F-Value = 4.14 and p-value =0.085753>0.05). Similarly, Pearson correlations of 0.99 (Sig 2-Tailed), indicated that Cultural sites have been positive fundamental transformation which has enhanced people’s norms and practices and cultural institutions. In addition, Pearson correlations of 0.98 (Sig 2-Tailed), it indicates that cultural sites have been positive fundamental transformation on development of tourism. The researcher recommended for more funding mechanism to the tourism sector, developing cultural routes through partnership and enhancing on the marketing strategies.