Factors Influencing Domestic Tourism in Tanzania: A Case of Arusha City

Abstract

Domestic tourism is practiced worldwide. It greatly contributes to the number of visiting tourists and the national economy as well. However, it is still invisible and inadequately documented. This study intended to bridge this gap of knowledge by investigating the factors influencing domestic tourism using Arusha City, Tanzania as a case study. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods in data collection using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires respectively. A sample of 80 people was selected from a total population of 400 employees in eight different institutions in Arusha City. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), inferential and descriptive tools were used to analyse data. From this study, it was found that the major factors affecting domestic tourism in Tanzania include relatively high tax rate in the country compared to the other neighboring countries’ safaris, the cost charged for tourism services is generally unaffordable, the cost for food and drinks at attraction sites was found unaffordable, and there is low awareness of the available tourists' attractions. The study concluded that the major challenges facing domestic tourism in Tanzania are low awareness, poor quality of services provided to domestic tours, and few people having less interest in visiting the tourist attraction. The study recommends increased awareness on part of the policymakers, involvement of many stakeholders in the tourism sector, and academic institutions to develop new programs which allow students to have time to visit different attractions present in their region to instill enthusiasm in tourism industry.