Development of Tourism Destinations in Gateway Communities, Northern Tanzania

Alpha Mwongoso; Agnes  Sirima; John Mgonja

Alpha Mwongoso Department of Community and Rural Development, Moshi Co-operative University
Agnes Sirima Department of Tourism and Recreation, College of Forestry Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
John Mgonja Department of Tourism and Recreation, College of Forestry Wildlife and Tourism, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.

Keywords: Tourism Area Life Cycle, Tourism Destinations, Gateway Communities, Northern Tanzania

Abstract

There is unclear understanding of tourism development beyond the borders of Sub Saharan African countries’ protected areas, thus, uncertain about its potentials and sustainability. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by applying the Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model to evaluate tourism development-path for 36 years in three tourism gateway community-destinations: Burunge, Lake Natron and Loliondo in northern Tanzania. This model has been massively applied worldwide, with exception to Africa and Tanzania in particular. Multi-method technique was employed to collect historical data featuring destination development indicators, followed by assessment of indicators compliance to the model. It was found that all three destinations have experienced exploration, involvement and are currently at the development stage of the model. Improvement of transport services, cultural program enhancement and integrated sustainable tourism development plan are recommended before these destinations move to consolidation stage.