Global Advanced Research Journal of Management and Business Studies (ISSN: 2315-5086) November 2015 Vol. 4(10), pp 390-397

Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals   

Original Research Articles

Exploring Cultural Capital Dimensions in Tourism: The Case of Zanzibar

Issa Seif Salim (PhD)¹ and Lufumbi Mwaipopo (PhD)²

¹CEO  Zanzibar Overseas Services

²University of Dar es Salaam  Business School

Corresponding author Email: issa@zanzibaroverseas.co.tz

Accepted 07 November 2015

Abstract 

The increasing recognition of the potential of culture to generate revenue has created a significant surge in today’s global tourism market. Cultural resources can therefore be construed as capital that tourist destinations can utilize for economic advantage. Such capital needs to be well managed and its potential maintained for sustainable exploitation. This study explores this cultural capital of tourist destinations using Zanzibar as a case. Exploratory factor analysis is used to determine the underlying dimensions that constitute this construct. Seven dimensions are identified which for Zanzibar appear to be the distinct latent variables that motivate tourists to visit the island. These are “historical objects”, “cultural events”, “cultural behavior”, “traditional medicine and spiritual practices”, “traditional aqua activities”, “food and culinary experiences”, and “handcrafts”. Apart from the theoretical implications, the findings of this study provide an insight that destination managers  can utilize in planning tourism strategies.

Keywords: Tourism, Dimensions, Cultural Capital, Historical objects, Cultural Events, Food and Culinary Experiences, Handcrafts,