The Influence of Infrastructure Development on Sports Tourism in Uganda
Loading...
Date
2024
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Uganda Christian University
Abstract
This research explores the impact of infrastructure development on sport tourism growth in Uganda, a country gifted with diverse topography and a gradually developing sports culture. It is against this backdrop that, with the global sports tourism market valued at an estimated $600 billion in 2022, Uganda is gradually being recognized as a potential destination. In this regard, critical infrastructural components are assessed herein, with a focus on the roles that transport systems, accommodation facilities, and sports venues play in attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Investment in the road network increased from 28,000 kilometers in 2010 to over 32,000 kilometers in 2023, and modern road construction continues to facilitate access to attractions and events of sports tourism importance. In addition, modern hotel construction has grown by 35% in the last five years and offers accommodation in an improved environment. The core part of the research enshrines numbers from the Uganda Tourism Board, indicating that between 2021 and 2023, sports tourist arrivals have grown by 20 percent, a growth which corresponds with the improvement in infrastructure.
This study, through stakeholder interviews and case studies, emphasizes how improved infrastructure increases not only the attendance of events, such as those of the Uganda Marathon and Rugby Cranes matches, but also contributes toward the local economic development. The findings show that investment in infrastructure, done intelligently, has the potential to increase Uganda's position as a sports tourism destination manifold. It concludes by recommending some actionable points for the policymakers to further leverage the driver that is infrastructure development for sustainable growth within sports tourism.