Factors affecting demand for domestic tourism in Uganda

Abstract

This dissertation examined the factors affecting demand for domestic tourism in Uganda with the aim of enhancing the understanding of policy makers, tourism sector managers and private sector of the dynamic forces at play that influence growth of domestic tourism amongst Ugandans and non-residents. The objectives of the research were to examine the influence of economic factors such as individual income, tourism prices, tourism information and tourist attractions on domestic tourism demand in Uganda. The research used the 2013 Pilot Household Survey on Domestic Visitors (HSDV) data from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the impact of these factors on domestic tourism demand. The results indicated that the factors of tourism prices, tourism information and tourist attractions were statistically significant in explaining the demand for domestic tourism in Uganda while individual income was statistically non-significant. The research recommended the reduction of entry fees and transport costs to tourist attractions in order to improve demand for domestic tourism in Uganda. The research also recommended the need to intensify advertisement of the available domestic tourism opportunities to increase the knowledge and awareness of local destinations among potential tourists. The research findings will complement existing literature on the motivations of domestic tourists in Uganda and support the formulation and execution of relevant policy measures and marketing campaigns specific to the tourism and travel needs of Ugandans in order to improve domestic tourism demand in the country while assigning efforts to the major determinant factors of the country’s domestic tourism levels.