Year: 2019 | Month: December | Volume 10 | Issue 2
The Potential of Tourism as a Poverty Reduction Strategy in Rwanda
Berthilde Mukantwali
Vicente Sinining
DOI:Coming soon...
Abstract:
The relationship between tourism and poverty reduction has been emphasized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and, it is a topic for the global economic agenda. Yet, for over three decades, tourism has been assumed to have the capacity to ensure effective development in developing countries. But, until now evidences on positive contribution of tourism on aspect such as poverty reduction in developing countries, particularly at local level, are patchy. Tourism has therefore been under criticism in recent years, as it seems to be failing to demonstrate its potential as a tool for poverty reduction and overall development. Due to the lack of research into how exactly the benefits received by the poor from tourism (if any) contribute to improving their livelihoods, this study saw the need to deepen the understanding on the potential of tourism as a poverty reduction strategy in Rwanda. Hopefully, systematic research in this regard will contribute to put this sector firmly on future anti-poverty agendas. Essentially, the paper investigates the role of tourism in improving the lives of communities around Volcanoes National Park in Kinigi sector. A framework used in the study area is the Rogerson’s Tourism–Poverty Model. The reason for using this model is to make a comparative analysis of Rogerson’s tourism-poverty elements vis-a-vis tourism in KINIGI Sector around VOLCANOES national Park. These elements include inter alia: education and training, empowerment, enterprise development, corporate social investment, creation of employment opportunities and others. Among others, it was found out that tourism is capable of creating a substantial number of jobs for local people.
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