Abstract:
This study assessed the influence of awareness index on cybercrime in private tourism companies; a Case of selected Tourism Companies in Arusha. The study was guided by general strain theory. The study employed descriptive survey research design and a mixed research approach. The targeted population was the tourists, managers and ICT technicians from the selected tourist companies in Arusha. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select respondents. A total of 56 respondents were selected as sample for the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings indicated that the mean score for all five items ranged from 3.41 to 4.20 denoting agreement. This means respondents agreed that awareness index influenced cybercrime in tourism companies in Arusha. The study recommended that private tourism companies in Arusha should focus on notifying their customers on all risk environments which may influence cybercrime. It was further recommended that policy makers should see the necessity to have effective policies related to cybercrimes that supports private tourism companies. The study recommended that tourist companies should have their own digital applications that will be used to integrate all necessary company information including raising awareness about cybercrimes for customers. The companies should make sure that customers who want to make booking and get information should download the company‟s application. This will reduce chances for cybercrime among customers.
