An Analysis of The Effects of Oil and Gas Exploration on Tourism in the Albertine Region.

Abstract

The study intended to investigate the effects of oil and gas exploration on tourism in Uganda Buliisa District. The objectives of the study were to examine the threats and opportunities posed by the petroleum industry on Uganda’s tourism sector, to examine the hotspot areas for the better growth of the tourism sector in the Albertine region and to analyse the relevance of the petroleum industry to the tourism sector in Albertine region in Buliisa District. Methodology that was used, is that the research was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative approaches using a Case study as Research Design. Data was collected using a self-administered Questionnaires as well as review of available documents and records. Data was analyzed using SPSS software where conclusions were drawn from. The study revealed that the oil and gas industry in the Albertine region had most of the opportunities like improved economy through investment of the oil revenues in form of taxes, construction of roads that have made access of movement of the tourist to the tourist’s places in the Albertine region. Increased recreational centers that have also boosted tourism through improved services like accommodation and hospitality. The study further showed that oil and gas was associated threats like oil spills, noisy activities that have chased away the animals in their comfort zones. The concludes on the ground of finding better means to make sure oil and gas benefits the tourism in the Albertine region as well as the People of Bullisa district through setting regulatory guideline with penalties for violating the operating procedure since they are in the tourist attraction zones.