CULTURES AND TOURISM IN RWANDA

Description:

The Cultures and Tourism in Rwanda module explores the rich cultural heritage and dynamic tourism industry of Rwanda. This course provides an in-depth understanding of Rwandan traditions, history, arts, and societal values, while also examining the country's tourism sector and its role in economic development.

Learners will study Rwanda’s cultural diversity, including traditional dances, music, cuisine, language, and community practices. The module also covers historical landmarks, national parks, wildlife conservation efforts, and ecotourism initiatives, highlighting Rwanda's position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism.

Additionally, students will analyze the impact of tourism on local communities, heritage preservation, and economic growth, as well as government policies supporting the industry. Through case studies, field research, and interactive discussions, learners will gain practical knowledge of how culture and tourism intersect in Rwanda.

By the end of this module, students will have a comprehensive understanding of Rwanda’s cultural identity and tourism landscape, equipping them with skills to contribute to the promotion and sustainable development of the tourism sector.

Course code: BLTH 2303

Course credit: 10

Pre-requisites: None

Academic year: 2024-2025

Lecturer: Josephine Gatsinzi

Course Objectives:

By the end of this module, learners should be able to:

  1. Understand the cultural diversity of Rwanda, including traditional customs, languages, music, dance, and artistic expressions.
  2. Analyze the historical and social significance of Rwandan cultural heritage and its role in shaping national identity.
  3. Explore Rwanda’s major tourism attractions, including national parks, historical sites, cultural villages, and ecotourism destinations.
  4. Examine the relationship between culture and tourism in promoting sustainable economic development.
  5. Evaluate the impact of tourism on local communities, including its contributions to employment, infrastructure, and cultural preservation.
  6. Understand Rwanda’s tourism policies and strategies, including conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.
  7. Assess the role of heritage sites and cultural festivals in attracting tourists and promoting national heritage.
  8. Identify challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector and propose solutions for sustainable growth.
  9. Develop skills for promoting Rwandan culture and tourism, including marketing, tour guiding, and community engagement.
  10. Encourage responsible and ethical tourism practices that respect and preserve Rwanda’s cultural and natural heritage.

This module equips students with a deep understanding of Rwanda’s cultural richness and tourism potential, preparing them for careers in tourism management, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable development initiatives.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
  • Available cultural attractions in Rwanda 
  • Apply knowledge to inventory and analysis of available cultural attractions in Rwanda.
  • The importance of Rwandese culture in promoting tourism in Rwanda
  • Impacts of cultural tourism
  • Problems affecting tourism and possible solutions in Rwanda
  • Sustainable cultural tourism   

WILDLIFE AND PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT

A Wildlife and Protected Area Management course focuses on the conservation, management, and sustainable use of wildlife and natural habitats. It provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to manage protected areas, such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas, while balancing ecological integrity with human activities.

Introduction to Leisure and Recreation Facilities

INTRODUCTION

Leisure and recreation are essential components of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, contributing to individual well-being, social interaction, and community development. This course, Introduction to Leisure and Recreation Facilities, provides students with a foundational understanding of the planning, design, operation, and management of various leisure and recreational spaces.


Purpose of the module:

The aim of this module is to help students acquire knowledge and skills about:

  • The various provision and the   types   of   leisure facilities  in  hotels  and their importance ,
  • Various  recreational activities  and  the  policy issue on recreation,
  • Putting in place physical activity  provision  and the sports facility check lists,
  • Establishing     various recreational activities in relation  to  the  policy issue on recreation,

Module objectives:

  • Understand the Concept of Leisure and Recreation:

    • Define leisure, recreation, and related concepts, and explain their importance in individual well-being and community development.

  • Identify Types of Leisure and Recreation Facilities:

    • Classify and describe different types of facilities, including parks, sports complexes, fitness centers, entertainment venues, and community recreation centers.

  • Explore Facility Planning and Design Principles:

    • Understand key factors in the planning, design, and development of recreation facilities, including space allocation, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.


TOURISM PLANING, POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT IN EAC

INTRODUCTION TO TOURISM PLANNING, POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT IN EAC

What is tourism policy and planning?

These two terms are largely interchangeable.

Tourism policy can be defined as;

A set of rules, regulations, guidelines, directives, and development/promotion objectives and strategies that provide framework within which the collective, as well as individual decisions directly affecting long-term tourism development and the daily activities within a destination are taken

Planning can be defined as;

The process of making decisions for the future, and not simply the physical preparation of a ‘plan’; planning involves implementing decisions and monitoring the outcomes.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  • Understand Tourism Planning Concepts
  • Analyze Tourism Policies
  • Develop Tourism Policy Recommendations

COURSE OBJECTIVES

  • Provide an Understanding of Tourism Planning
  • Examine Tourism Infrastructure and Investment
  • Address Challenges in Tourism Policy Implementation

TOURISM RECREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the relationship between tourism, recreational activities, and environmental management. It aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to promote sustainable tourism while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Purpose of this module

The purpose of this module is help students acquire knowledge and skills about:

  • How to analyze the relationships between practices such as Recreation and Tourism, and the physical environment in which they operate. And also,
  • How to identify and resolve problems to protect our resources from the adverse impacts of recreation and tourism.

Module objectives:

The main objective of this module is to equip students with knowledge and skills about tourism recreation and environmental management. While the specific objectives are to:

  • Define the concept of tourism recreation and environment from different perspectives.
  • Describe relationships between tourism, recreation and the environment
  • Discuss effects of recreational activities and developments on the physical environment.
  • Explain ecological sustainability, recreation and tourism
  • Explain climate and tourism
  • Identify tourism recreation in urban area