Challenges Facing Small and medium Tourism Enterprises around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Case Study of Nkuringo Area.

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2013

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Kabale University

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the challenges encountered by small and medium tourism enterprises around Bwindi Impenetrable National park. The purpose of the study was to establish the type and range of goods and services offered by SMEs. Evaluate the available market for the product offered and to identify the challenges encountered by SMEs. The study was conducted in Nkuringo and Rubuguri parishes around BINP. The problem was investigated through three themes namely; range of goods and services offered Market availability and the challenges being f aced by these enterprises. The study applied self-administered questionnaires, interview guide, observation guide, and review of secondary documents. Qualitative and Quantitative approaches were employed and data analyzed using tables and percentage analysis. The study respondents included tourists, hosts; lodge owners and managers, roadside entrepreneurs and handicraft enterprises. The findings revealed that indeed there are arrange of goods and services that are offered to tourists by different lodges. The market of goods and services is available but seasonal. Entrepreneurs revealed that they are looking at diversifying into other services like conferences, picnics and exhibitions. The study further revealed that entrepreneurs face challenges ranging from lack of capital, Insecurity because of the DRC conflict, poor linkages, poor infrastructure as well as lack of connectivity and technology. Although some efforts have been made to resolve some of the challenges a lot remains to be done to improve the business environment in the area.it was however proposed by some of the respondents that entrepreneurs rise up the challenges by collaborating to enjoy the benefits of linkages and networking. It was also recommended that entrepreneurs look for innovative ways of opening up new business opportunities.

Description

A Research Report Submitted to the Faculty of Science in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the award of the Degree of Bachelors of Tourism of Kabale University.

Keywords

Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises, National Park, Bwindi Impenetrable

Citation

Hakizimana. L.(2013). Challenges Facing Small and medium Tourism Enterprises around Bwindi Impenetrable National Park: A Case Study of Nkuringo Area. Bachelors Report, Kabale University, Uganda.