Department of Tourism and Recreation

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://10.10.97.169:4000/handle/123456789/976

Browse

Browsing Department of Tourism and Recreation by Author "BACKMAN, K, F"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Desires of Community Participation in Tourism Development Decision Making Process: A Case Study of Barabarani, Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania
    (World Scholars, 2013) MUGANDA, M; MGONJA, J, T.; BACKMAN, K, F
    Over the last decade, tourism in Tanzania has recorded significant growth, with the industry’s contribution to the country’s steadily growing GDP. However, poverty and unemployment rate in the country is still very high, which raises questions regarding local community participation in decision making. Participation in the decision-making process is a crucial determinant in ensuring that the benefits accrued by local communities from tourism are guaranteed, and that their lifestyles and values are respected. This paper examines the nature of community participation expected by local people in tourism development decision-making process in Tanzania using a case study of Barabarani village, Mto wa Mbu, Arusha. The paper incorporates a questionnaire in a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) approach in data collection. The findings showed that local people, regardless of the location they came from, their gender, occupation, and education, wish to have a voice and actively take part in the decision-making process, to ensure that their needs, priorities and interests are well considered when decisions about tourism development are made in their areas. The paper contributes to the wider scientific discussion on community participation in tourism industry, and uncovers vital infor-mation for tourism managers, planners, policy makers and academicians.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    A structural model to assess international visitors' perceptions about local foods in Tanzania
    (Routledge, 2016) MGONJA, J, T; BACKMAN, K, F; BACKMAN, S, J.; MOORE, D, D; HALLO, J, C.
    Interest in the use of local food in tourism and hospitality is growing in both industry and academic circles. Most research on local food has focused on its potential to enhance local community development, while relatively little research has examined the way tourists perceive local foods in developing countries. This study applies image theory to evaluate perceptions of international tourists regarding local foods in Tanzania. Data were collected between June and August, 2014 using a survey method. The study population consisted of 520 international tourists departing from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with EQS 6.2. The results demonstrated that cognitive/perceptual and affective evaluations are two interdependent psychological constructs which, taken together, play a key role in understanding individuals’ overall perception about local foods. The cognitive/perceptual evaluations formed by individuals as a result of accumulated knowledge and beliefs about local foods influence the way individuals perceive local foods. Likewise, the affective evaluations (feelings) about local foods significantly influenced individuals’ overall perceptions about local foods. The results also show that many hotels where tourists stayed did not provide sufficient varieties of, or information about, local foods. Recommendations arising from the research relating to food policy and regulation are presented.