Factors Influencing Tourism Competitiveness of Northern Tourist Circuit Nature-Based Destinations in Tanzania from the Tourists’ Perspective Abstract

Abstract

The extent to which a country can benefit from its tourism industry is increasingly being defined by the competitiveness of its nature  based destinations. Despite many efforts to improve tourism competitiveness, the Tanzania’s nature based destinations in the Northern  Tourist Circuit (NTC) operate below their potentials when compared with other destinations with similar attractions. This study aimed to  provide an understanding of kinds of factors and their significant impact on the competitiveness of NTC nature-based destinations in  Tanzania. Primary data was collected from a survey of 373 domestic and foreign tourists. The findings revealed that awareness of tourism  products, service quality at tourist facilities, variety of nature based activities, conservation of wildebeest migrations and the Big  five, airport capacity for international and local flights, variety and quality tourists’ accommodations, awareness of tourism products;  value of prices at tourist accommodations, and safety and security are the most factors influencing competitiveness of Northern Circuit. In an ever increasing competition, strong collaboration between national parks and tourism firms such as tour and hotels in maintaining  or enhancing the factors found most influential on competitiveness is vital in order to enhance visitors’ overall tourism experience. This  can have positive impact on competitiveness of the northern tourist circuit in Tanzania and make it the preferred tourist destination in  the eyes of tourists.