Perceptions of the accomodation sector regarding the tourism value chain with specific reference to the Western Province of Rwanda

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of the accommodation sector regarding the tourism value chain in the Western Province of Rwanda. The fact that the study could assist local communities with poverty alleviation in Rwanda has raised the issue of how the perceptions of the accommodation sector could be used to enhance the value chain so that it would benefit all the participants in the industry in that province.The study is undertaken to improve the understanding of the perceptions held by accommodation service providers regarding the tourism value chain. In order to achieve this, the researcher set out to gain a greater knowledge of tourism development planning, as well as to investigate the possible socio-cultural, economic and political impacts that could follow the effective implementation of the tourism value chain on the accommodation sector. Both the positive and the negative impacts of a tourism value chain on the local communities in Western Province of Rwanda were examined.In terms of the national tourism policy, tourism has become a priority. It is regarded as an economic activity that can contribute more than any other sector to poverty alleviation. This study therefore examines the current perceptions held by the practitioners of the industry as they develop tourism products and services in the country. In addition, the study examines the key benefits and concerns of the accommodation establishments about the tourism value chain