Module Description:

This module provides an in-depth understanding of tourism planning, policy formulation, and development processes within the East African Community (EAC). It examines how tourism policies are designed, implemented, and coordinated among partner states, emphasizing sustainable tourism practices and regional cooperation. The module covers key areas such as tourism policy frameworks, institutional structures, tourism development strategies, challenges and opportunities in EAC member states, and the role of public and private stakeholders in promoting tourism integration. Learners will explore case studies across East Africa to understand the relationship between tourism planning and socio-economic development, environmental management, and cultural preservation.

Course Learning Objectives:

By the end of the course, students should be able to:

  • Explain the concepts, principles, and significance of tourism planning and policy within the East African context.
  • Identify and analyze the major components and processes involved in tourism policy formulation and implementation.
  • Examine the institutional and legal frameworks governing tourism development in the East African Community.
  • Assess the economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts of tourism development in EAC partner states.
  • Explore strategies for sustainable tourism planning and cross-border collaboration among EAC member countries.
  • Evaluate the role of public and private sector actors in promoting regional tourism integration and competitiveness.
  • Develop policy recommendations and planning models that enhance tourism development and regional cooperation in East Africa.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:

  • Define tourism planning, policy, and development concepts within the East African context.
  • Describe the key stages and actors involved in the tourism policy-making process.
  • Analyze existing tourism policies and strategies of EAC member countries.
  • Apply principles of sustainable tourism in planning and policy development.
  • Assess the role of EAC institutions and regional agreements in shaping tourism growth and integration.
  • Identify and address challenges affecting tourism policy coordination and implementation in the region.
  • Propose practical strategies for inclusive and sustainable tourism development within the EAC framework.
  • Demonstrate analytical and communication skills in evaluating tourism policy documents and development plans.

This course provides an in-depth understanding of tourism planning, policy formulation, and development within the East African Community (EAC). It explores the principles and frameworks that guide sustainable tourism development, emphasizing regional cooperation, policy harmonization, and economic integration.

Course credit: 10

Pre-requisites : None

Academic year 2024-2025

Lecturer: Dr. Denys Uwimpuhwe

Course content

UNIT I: INTRODUCTION

UNIT II: Market failure and the reason for public/Government intervention 

Unity III: Theories in the field of “Public Policy”

UNITY IV: TYPES OF PUBLIC POLICIES

UNIT V: POLICY MAKING PROCESS (Policy cycle)

UNIT VI: ACTORS IN THE TOURISM POLICY PROCESS

VII: Tourism Planning

VIII: Tourism Development in East African Community


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