INFLUENCE OF DESTINATION DIMENSIONS ON TOURISM SUSTAINABILITY IN SELECTED SITES OF NANDI COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Sustainable tourism is key in any destination because it improves and gives chances for continuity in tourism development. However, poor road networks, decrease in number of tourists in some of the destinations coupled with low revenue collection from tourism related activities have posed big challenges in supporting tourism development in Nandi County. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of destination dimensions on tourism sustainability in selected sites of Nandi County, Kenya. Particularly, to determine the influence of attractions, accessibility, accommodation and amenities on tourism sustainability. Hence, hypothesis constructed from the objectives above. Expectation Confirmation and Equity theories guided the study. A sample size of 239 was taken from a population of 598 visitors. Stratified and simple random sampling were used. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. A total of 239 questionnaires were disseminated and 172 were dully filled and returned. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including percentages, frequencies, mean, and standard deviation, as well as Pearson correlation analysis and standard multiple regression. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 21 aided data analysis. Reliability for research instruments was tested using Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient which was at 0.738(73.8%) which was above the minimum value of 0.70 (70%). The findings showed that destination dimensions of Attractions (β1= 0.51, p < 0.05), Accommodation (β2= 0.73, p < 0.05), Accessibility (β3= 0.75, p < 0.05), and Amenities (β4= 0.23, p < 0.05 had significant and positive effect on tourism sustainability. The study concluded that Attractions, Accommodation, Accessibility and Amenities enhances tourism sustainability. The study recommended that there is need for more support for heritage conservation and more research be carried out to establish the different types of cultural attraction in the county. To enhance accessibility, there is need to improve on access roads and signages to the destinations. Both modern, cultural and natural accommodations facilities need to be built in the county to boost tourism in the site areas. There is need to incorporate digital platforms to facilitate easy access to information concerning various tourists’ destinations in the county.