Impact of tourism on economic growth: A case of narok town

Abstract

This study sought to establish the effects of tourism on economic growth. Importance of tourism is widely recognized. Tourism is a significant driver of economic and social development. It stimulates economic growth by generating income, employment, investment and exports. It also generates valuable benefits, including preservation of cultural heritage, improved infrastructure and local community facilities (World Travel and Tourism Council, 2013).This study will adopt an exploration approach using a descriptive design to investigate the impact of tourism on economic growth, in Narok town, Narok County. The study targeted a population of five hundred (500) small and medium sized enterprises and a population of five hundred(500) employed and one thousand unemployed(1000) in Narok town , that have benefitted from the existence of tourists activities, i.e. Maasai Mara game Reserve, in the area. Random sampling was used to obtain sample sizes of; fifty (50) small and medium sized enterprises, one hundred (100) employed and one hundred (100) unemployed informants. Questionnaires were given out and interviews personally administered to collect data from the informants. Data collected was classified and compiled. It was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of MS-EXCEL. Data was then presented in forms of tables, pie charts and bar graphs. Descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies and correlation, accompanied the graphs and charts. The results of the research are expected to establish whether the tourism plays any role towards the economic growth of the region, in terms of employment generation, income creation and creation of investment opportunities. The recommendations that are given will go a long way in appraising the success of tourism in attainment of economic growth.