URBAN RESIDENTS' ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

Tourism being one among the major sources of revenue generation, the significance of it for Rwanda is paramount. The opinions and attitudes of residents and the tourism business community on its development is an important facet, which has not been given much importance and taken care of so far. As researchers and policy makers suggest, it is essential to appreciate the resident's attitudes, perceptions and preferences because they play a vital role in the success of this industry. This study is a maiden attempt to explore the attitudes and perceptions of urban residents toward tourism development in Rwanda. It is targeted to gauge the attitudes and perceptions of tourism development within the urban population in the country. The objective was to investigate the residents support to tourism development. The findings of the study are discussed with reference to the different characteristics of the respondents with the degree of appreciation towards tourism development and actions considered beneficial for the country.