The study sought to assess the challenges of promoting dark tourism in Rwanda. The study was guided by three objectives: To find out the dark tourism products in Rwanda; to investigate the challenges of promoting dark tourism in Rwanda and to establish measures that could be adopted to promote dark tourism in Rwanda. To achieve the set objectives, the study used a sample of 43 respondents randomly selected from staff of Rwanda Development Board (RDB), museum/memorial site managers and tour operators. Data was collected by use of questionnaire instrument and summarized in tables and graphs following the objectives of the study and frequencies and percentages were calculated based on the data available. The findings indicated that there are various dark tourism products in Rwanda which included Kigali memorial center, Bisesero, Gatwaro Stadium and Gitesi memorial site. Less effective information dissemination, High cost charged to tourists and Lack of skilled staff are the challenges affecting the promotion of dark tourism. Measures that could be adopted to promote dark tourism in Rwanda are Improving marketing strategies, Training of staff and service providers and improving the variety and accessibility of dark tourism attractions. The study concluded by noting that Identifying the successful practices in management, branding, marketing, and pricing strategies of dark tourism attractions around the world can aid in applying these ideas towards improving the dark tourism industry in Rwanda. The study recommended that since we are living in a global world, using the mass media advertisements, specifically TV, Newspapers or other tourism information brochures is significantly important in attracting more dark tourists.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Background to the study
1.3 Statement of the Problem
1.4 Purpose of the study
1.4.1 Objectives of the study
1.4.2 Research questions
1.5 Scope of the study
1.6 Significance of the study
1.7 Structure of the dissertation
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Definition and explanation of key terms
2.1.1 Tourism
2.1.2 Dark Tourism
2.2 Theoretical Overview of Dark Tourism
2.3 Dark Tourism Products
2.3.1 Dark Fun Factories
2.3.2 Dark Exhibitions
2.3.3 Dark Dungeons
2.3.4 Dark Resting Places
2.3.5 Dark Shrines
2.3.6 Dark Conflict Sites
2.3.7 Dark Camps of Genocide
2.4 The Motivations of Dark Tourism
2.4.1 Strategies used in promoting/marketing dark tourism
2.4.2 Challenges in marketing/ promoting dark tourism
2.5 Rwanda Tourism industry
2.5.1 Dark Tourism in Rwanda
2.6 Chapter Two Summary
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Study population
3.3 Sample size
3.4 Sampling procedure
3.5 Data Collection Instruments
3.5.1 Questionnaires
3.5.2 Documentation
3.6 Data Management and Analysis
3.6.1 Qualitative analysis
3.6.2 Quantitative analysis
3.7 Ethical Issues
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENATATION
4.0 Introduction
4.1 Background information of respondents
4.2 THE DARK TOURISM PRODUCTS IN RWANDA
4.3 THE CHALLENGE OF PROMOTING DARK TOURISM IN RWANDA
4.4 MEASURES THAT COULD BE ADOPTED TO PROMOTE DARK TOURISM IN RWANDA
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of Findings
5.2 Conclusions
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Further researcher
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this dissertation is to investigate the existing challenges hindering the promotion of dark tourism in Rwanda and to establish viable measures for its development and marketing. The research seeks to identify key dark tourism sites, evaluate current promotional limitations, and propose strategies to integrate these sites into the broader tourism industry.
- Identification of dark tourism products and sites in Rwanda.
- Assessment of barriers to effective marketing and promotion of dark tourism.
- Analysis of the role of infrastructure and skilled labor in sector development.
- Development of strategic measures for industry improvement and stakeholder engagement.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.1 Dark Fun Factories
A Dark Fun Factory alludes to those visitor sites, attractions and tours that predominately have an entertainment focus and commercial ethic, and which present recreated or fictional death and macabre events. Indeed, these types of products possess a high degree of tourism infrastructure, are purposeful in their design and are in essence fun centric. Consequently, this classification of dark tourism may occupy the lightest edges of the dark tourism spectrum. Dark Fun Factories offer sanitized products in terms of representation and are perhaps perceived as less authentic.
For instance, the Dungeon concepts now being rolled out across Europe by Merlin Entertainments Ltd is a classic Dark Fun Factory. Perhaps most famous of the Dungeon attractions, the London Dungeon has long drawn visitors to its doors with the promise of ghouls and displays of morbidity. With gruesome and highly visual, yet family friendly exhibits portraying less savory aspects of (past) life, such as the Black Death or Jack the Ripper, the London Dungeon offers a socially acceptable environment in which to gaze upon simulated death and associated suffering (Stone, 2006).
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY: This chapter outlines the scope and purpose of the study, defining the research objectives and the significance of dark tourism as a subject of academic inquiry.
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides a conceptual framework by describing existing theories and classifications of dark tourism, identifying its primary products and typical challenges.
CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This chapter details the study design, sampling procedures, and data collection instruments used to obtain insights from stakeholders within the Rwandan tourism industry.
CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENATATION: This chapter presents the empirical data gathered from respondents, categorized by product types, challenges to promotion, and potential remedial measures.
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This final chapter synthesizes the research findings, offers a conclusion, and provides actionable recommendations for the advancement of Rwanda's dark tourism sector.
Keywords
Dark Tourism, Rwanda Tourism, Genocide Memorials, Tourism Promotion, Marketing Strategies, Visitor Infrastructure, Cultural Heritage, Dark Conflict Sites, Tourism Industry, Stakeholder Engagement, Tourism Education, Destination Development, Dark Camps of Genocide, Visitor Experience, Tourism Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the challenges associated with the promotion and marketing of dark tourism sites in Rwanda, seeking to understand why this sector remains underutilized.
What are the primary themes addressed?
The work addresses the definition of dark tourism products, the motivations of tourists, infrastructure needs, and the role of stakeholders in developing the sector.
What is the ultimate goal of the study?
The primary goal is to establish actionable measures that can be adopted by the Rwandan government and tour operators to improve the visibility and accessibility of dark tourism sites.
Which methodology was employed for this research?
The study utilized a combined qualitative and quantitative survey method, involving 43 respondents from Rwanda Development Board (RDB), tour operators, and memorial site managers.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the theoretical foundations of dark tourism, a classification of dark tourism products, an analysis of the challenges in Rwanda, and proposed strategies for growth.
What are the characterizing keywords of the study?
The study is characterized by terms such as Dark Tourism, Rwanda Tourism, Genocide Memorials, Marketing Strategies, and Destination Development.
Why are dark tourism sites in Rwanda currently considered underutilized?
According to the findings, the primary reasons include less effective information dissemination, lack of skilled staff, poor infrastructure, and a lack of awareness among both international and domestic tourists.
What role does the local population play in the proposed recommendations?
The study recommends involving the local population in identifying and planning dark tourism sites, as they act as essential ambassadors to ensure sustainable development and community support.
How does the researcher propose to improve marketing for these sites?
The research suggests distributing specific literature to service providers and utilizing modern media, including television, newspapers, and internet-based brochures, to enhance visibility.
What specific dark tourism products exist in Rwanda according to the study?
The study identifies various sites including the Kigali memorial center, Bisesero memorial site, Musanze cave, and various genocide memorial centers as key, yet under-marketed, dark tourism products.
- Quote paper
- Ntunda Joachim (Author), 2012, Investigating the challenges of promoting dark tourism in Rwanda, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/265137
