Community Involvement and Sustainable Tourism Development in Heritage Management: Amboni Limestone Caves, Tanzania.

Abstract

Community involvement in heritage management is not only important for the sustainability of any heritage site, but also for the development of tourism activities within an area. The objectives of the study were to examine the current state of heritage management in Amboni Limestone Caves in the Tanga Region of Tanzania, and to outline the potential of tourism development of the area. The aim of this study was thus to propose different ways in which the Amboni Limestone Caves could be utilized so as to ensure sustainable tourism development. This article adopted the theoretical constructs of collaboration to offer insight into tourism planning and community involvement in Heritage management. Data were collected through interviews, observation and focus group discussions. The sample size included twenty people who were part of a local community at Kiomoni village, as well as tour guides and tour operators in the Tanga Region. The results have shown that local communities and other stakeholders around the Amboni Limestone Caves in Tanzania have not been involved in management, conservation and tourism development of the site. However, the community has a positive opinion when it comes to tourism and shows interest when it comes to management and tourism development on the site, but their role is sidelined in the process by the authorities. The study recommends urgent collaboration should be used in order to ensure sustainable development of tourism activities and the site in general.

Keywords

• Community involvement
• heritage management
• sustainable development
• Amboni Limestone Cave
• Tanzania