Tourism development in Burundi

Professor Novelli was invited by two of her former students to visit Burundi and engage in some preliminary evaluation of how this post-conflict destination could re-engage with tourism. This study included an assessment of current tourism and hospitality sector state of play and related training needs as well as an inventory of the existing and required training capacity in the wider contexts of tourism, leisure and hospitality in the locality.

The study was conducted in collaboration with Carmen Nibigira, one of our alumni, who after graduating had been involved in a number of managerial roles including the role of Director General of the Republic of Burundi Tourism Board. She is currently the coordinator of the East Africa Tourism Platform.

This study focused on assessments of the potential for tourism development in this post-conflict destination.

Project timeframe

The project took place in 2009.

Project objectives

The study included:

  • an assessment of current and future training needs of the sector
  • an inventory of the existing and required training capacity in the wider contexts of tourism, leisure and hospitality in the locality including the institutional framework
  • the realisation of a priority list for action to enable the development of public-private collaboration
  • the identification and implementation of a sustainable vocational training strategy.

Project findings and impact

The research highlighted the needs for a fundamental restructuring of the institutional framework and the realisation of a priority action list to enable the development of public-private collaboration and the identification and implementation of a sustainable vocational training strategy.

Aspects of the research were also published in the Annals of Tourism Research.

Research team

Professor Marina Novelli

Output

Novelli, M, Morgan, N and Nibigira, C (2012) . 39 (3) 1446-1469

Partners

Carmen Nibigira

Republic of Burundi Tourism Board