Effects of covid-19 on tourist attractions in Tanzania:

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic is one of the global disasters that has affected people and businesses. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Covid-19 in tourism attractions in Tanzania. The study adopted a case study research design. The case study design was considered as best fit for this study as the researcher chose a single site which was Arusha national park. The population of this study was 120. Primary data was collected from fifty (50) respondents through interviewing of employees, members of management and tour operators at Arusha national park while secondary data was collected from various sources including published and unpublished sources, journal articles, research reports and internet materials. The study used purposive sampling. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis. The study found out that the Covid-19 pandemic has negative effects on tourism attractions in economic, social and psychological areas. Some of the negative effects include the closure of businesses, loss of revenues due to closing down of international borders, airports and banning of flights, loss of employment, loss of livelihood due to illness, depression and mental illness. The study recommends for government stimulus in order to provide relief on the major issues including decreased revenue, increased expenditures and unemployment. Moreover, the government needs to evaluate the effect of Covid-19 on tourism during different stages of the pandemic in order to provide the required assistance. Lastly, the study suggests for tourism restructuring specifically, the park and companies to diversify targeted markets.