Understanding Tourists’ Preferences and Experiences with Urban Transport Modes in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Transport services play a decisive role in supply chains and are crucial to the movement of people and goods from one place to another for socio-economic development. However, empirical evidence on choice of modes for town transport services specifically during vacation are scarce in Tanzania when considering tourists’ perceptions. This study was approached quantitatively using descriptive and explanatory survey designs. Data were gathered in Arusha, Kilimanjaro and Manyara using questionnaire from 277 tourists sampled using convenient sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using Descriptive Statistics and Binary Logistic Regression. The findings indicate that, factors which influenced choice of modes for town transport services during vacation are the distance, time, travelling destinations, official registration of the services and planned budget to the large extent while conditions of infrastructure and facilities, preferences of the customer, gut instinct and trust to the service provider influenced the choice to the small extent. Furthermore, the modes for town transport services to the large extent were private-chauffeur driven cars, buses, foot and commuter transport while flights, trains and boats were chosen to the small extent. Using the aforementioned modes of town transport services, the tourists experienced various operational challenges and social interactions while using town transportation. The concerned stakeholders still have the significant role to play in ensuring the improved transport services for easy choice during the vacation.