Examining the Sources of Differential Support for Tourism Industry in Two Ghanaian Cities

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Sevil Sonmez, Professor and Department Head (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: The current article examines residents’ support for tourism in the Central Region of Ghana in Africa using social exchange theory as the guiding framework. Using pooled data from the two Ghanaian communities of Cape Coast and Elmina, this article tested a research hypothesis that support for tourism varies between the two Ghanaian communities due to their differing socioeconomic bases. Findings of this study suggest differences in the levels of support for tourism (the hospitality industry and tourism infrastructure/attractions) among the residents of the two Ghanaian communities. Results of regression analyses suggest that support for the hospitality industry and support for the infrastructure and tourism attraction development were influenced by partially different reasons in both communities. The higher support for tourism in Cape Coast might be attributable to its status as the region’s capital. Cape Coast, on the other hand, has a relatively more diversified economy including entities such as government offices, a university, several leading secondary schools, retail activities, and hotels; some of this diversification may be viewed as positive and directly attributed to the tourism development in the town.

Additional Information

Publication
Tourism Analysis, Vol. 6 pp. 29–40
Language: English
Date: 2001
Keywords
Social Exchange Theory, Cape Coast, Elmina, Ghana, Africa, Residents’ attitudes, Tourism development, Tourism policy

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