Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management

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Browsing Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management by Author "Kalira, Adolf"

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    The role of cultural heritage sites on the development of the tourism industry. A case study of Kasubi tombs, Kampala
    (Busitema University, 2026) Kalira, Adolf
    The study was carried out with the aim of finding out the role of cultural heritage sites on the development of the tourism industry, a case study of Kasubi Tombs, Kampala, Uganda. The objectives for the study was; to assess the contributions of the Kasubi Tombs to tourism development in Uganda, to identify the challenges facing the management and conservation of the Kasubi Tombs as a tourism site and to explore strategies for enhancing the role of cultural heritage sites like Kasubi Tombs in sustainable tourism growth. Cultural heritage sites represent a vital yet underutilized component of tourism development, particularly in developing countries where they can drive economic growth, preserve identity, and foster sustainable community livelihoods. This study examines the role of cultural heritage sites in advancing the tourism industry in Uganda, with a specific case study of the Kasubi Tombs a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the royal burial ground of the Buganda Kingdom in Kampala. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, drawing on secondary data from tourism statistics, UNESCO reports, and primary insights from site management, visitors, and local stakeholders. Findings indicate that while Uganda's tourism sector achieved a record USD 1.28 billion in international receipts in 2024, supporting over 800,000 jobs and contributing approximately 6.6% to GDP, cultural heritage attractions like the Kasubi Tombs remain secondary to wildlife-based tourism. Visitor numbers to museums and cultural sites exceeded 34,000 in 2024, highlighting growing but limited engagement compared to the country's 1.37 million international arrivals. The Kasubi Tombs, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001 and removed from the List of World Heritage in Danger in 2023 following reconstruction efforts after the 2010 fire, embody significant historical, spiritual, and architectural value. Reconstruction neared completion by late 2025, with full restoration announced in December 2025, positioning the site for enhanced tourism potential through improved accessibility, authenticity preservation, and cultural promotion. Key challenges include limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, urbanization pressures, post-reconstruction management issues, and competition from nature-based attractions, which constrain visitor numbers, revenue generation, and community benefits. Opportunities lie in strategic marketing, community involvement, integration into national tourism circuits, and leveraging UNESCO status to attract cultural tourists seeking authentic experiences. The study concludes that effective management and conservation of sites like the Kasubi Tombs can significantly amplify their contributions to sustainable tourism development, economic diversification, cultural preservation, and local empowerment in Uganda. Recommendations include policy enhancements for heritage-tourism integration, increased investment in site infrastructure, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted promotion to boost visitor arrivals and ensure long-term viability. Keywords: cultural heritage, heritage sites, tourism industry, Kasubi tombs, development of the tourism