The effect of climate change on sustainable tourism: A perception of the tourism industry in Uganda
Date
2021
Authors
Barya, Anna Lucia Kiconco
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
Climate change involves variations in temperature and other weather conditions in a given environment over a period of time. Climate change and sustainable tourism are correlated, and both have drastic effect on each other. Poor environmental practices within the tourism industry can alter climatic conditions and result into changes like global warming. The general objective for this study was to establish the perceptions of tourism industry on the effect of climate change on sustainable tourism in Uganda. The study applied a descriptive design, and the methodology of data collection was based on both questionnaires and interviews. The population for the study was based on stakeholders of the tourism industry in the country using a conceived sampling design with the sample size of 100 members consisting of government officials, tour operators, guides, and hoteliers. The findings indicated that the perception of the tourism industry on climatic changes that affect sustainable tourism in Uganda is that they are majorly caused by deforestation and ignorance concerning the diverse effects of climate change. Other causes include agricultural practices, air pollution, and natural changes. The study also determined the perception of the industry regarding the effects of climate change on Uganda as a tourism destination. These included difficulty in transportation, property destruction, wildlife interruption, livelihoods of the host communities and influenced quality of destinations, among others. The final objective of this study was to analyse the initiatives to mitigate the effects of climate change on tourism. A number of measures were suggested by the respondents of the study. Among them were implementation of policies concerning climate and environmental protection, eco-friendly tourism activities, prioritizing host communities, consulting climate experts and sensitization of both locals and foreigners. The findings of this study also indicate that the government has not played its role as a major stakeholder in the matter considering the fact that policies are installed but not appropriately managed in order to reflect their purpose. It is also important to note that other stakeholders depend on governmental approval to ensure sustainable tourism and work towards mitigating the effects of climate change in the country.
Description
A research project in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management of Strathmore University