Community perceptions of the economic impacts of ecotourism in Cameroon
- Authors: Harilal, Vyasha , Tichaawa, Tembi M.
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Ecotourism , Economic impacts , Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/460782 , uj:41016 , ISSN: 2223-814X , Citation: Harilal, V. & Tichaawa, T.M. (2020). Community Perceptions of the Economic Impacts of Ecotourism in Cameroon. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 9(6):959-978. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46222/ajhtl.19770720-62
- Description: Abstract: This study aimed to investigate community perceptions of the economic impact of ecotourism in Cameroon. Using a mixed-method research approach, based on two case study areas (the Mount Cameroon National Park and the Douala Edéa Wildlife Reserve), community surveys were administered to 442 households. In addition, in-depth, face-to-face interviews were conducted with relevant key informants. Key findings suggest that, while respondents generally agreed that ecotourism has many positive economic benefits, such benefits are often concentrated at government level, or contained within privately owned businesses. The lack of benefit sharing can be attributed to the low level of involvement of locals in the sector, unsuitable management practices that promote neither inclusiveness, nor the nomination of locals as economic beneficiaries of the sector, and an absence of dedicated ecotourism policy to guide the overall development and management of the sector. The study recommends that policies and strategies that encourage local economic development from ecotourism be established in the country, to ensure that the appropriate structures are put in place for the equitable distribution of the economic benefits to locals.
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The nature of diasporic tourism in Cameroon : an opportunity for tourism development
- Authors: Tichaawa, Tembi M.
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Tourism development , Diaspora tourism , Cameroon
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/247688 , uj:25722 , Citation: Tichaawa, T.M. 2017. The nature of diasporic tourism in Cameroon : an opportunity for tourism development. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 6(4):1-13. , ISSN: 2223-814X
- Description: Abstract: While a number of studies have focused on diaspora tourism and the effects on communities, the focus has generally been on developed nation’s context with little focus on Africa, despite the high migration tendencies that have occurred to date. With specific reference to the Central African nation of Cameroon, this study examines the nature and the characteristics of diaspora tourism. It explores the contours of Cameroonian diasporas’ by way of profiling. The article argues that understanding the profiles of such a segment is important to understanding their behaviours and spending patterns, as well as their preferences for tourism marketers. Through a survey method, 281 respondents revealed the identities of such diaspora tourists as well-educated individuals, with high spending power, whose main reasons for visits were linked to visiting relatives and friends, conducting business, or attending a family event. The study argues that the segment is important for ‘turbocharging’ tourism development in Cameroon.
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