CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study

Tourism has grown to become one of the most vital and dynamic economic sectors globally. It significantly contributes to employment, GDP, cultural preservation, and international cooperation. As per the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO, 2023), global tourism rebounded strongly in 2022, recording approximately 1.3 billion international tourist arrivals. This resurgence reaffirmed tourism’s position as a key driver of economic recovery and resilience in the post-COVID-19 era.

Tourism policy is central to regulating and guiding this growth. Globally, nations design tourism policies to attract investment, encourage infrastructure development, protect heritage, and ensure sustainability. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth), Goal 12 (responsible consumption and production), and Goal 14 (life below water), emphasize the need for sustainable tourism that fosters inclusive development. In this regard, global tourism policies have increasingly aligned with concepts such as eco-tourism, cultural sustainability, and community-based tourism to balance economic and social interests (UNWTO, 2021).However, the uneven implementation of tourism policies across regions has led to disparities in tourism development outcomes. For instance, while countries in Europe and North America enjoy mature policy frameworks that support long-term tourism growth, many developing nations still grapple with weak policy structures and inadequate funding, limiting tourism’s developmental potential.

Asia presents a compelling example of how strategic tourism policies can shape regional development. Countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia have become global tourism hotspots through deliberate policy choices. These policies often combine infrastructure investment, aggressive marketing, public-private partnerships, and support for local entrepreneurship.

For example, Thailand’s national tourism policy includes targeted branding campaigns such as “Amazing Thailand,” visa facilitation, and regional connectivity programs that position the country as a hub for culture and adventure tourism (Jirawattananukool & Meesuk, 2020). Similarly, Japan and South Korea have developed policies that focus on preserving intangible cultural heritage while boosting innovation in tourism services.Despite these successes, Asia also highlights the challenges of overtourism, environmental degradation, and cultural commodification. These issues have prompted governments to revise tourism policies to promote sustainability, diversify destinations, and decentralize planning to involve local communities. Asia thus offers important lessons in both the potential and pitfalls of tourism policy as a tool for development.

Africa’s tourism potential is immense, yet largely underutilized. From wildlife and beaches to diverse cultures and historical landmarks, the continent holds a rich tourism portfolio. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Africa attracted over 60 million international tourists in 2019, generating billions in revenue and millions of jobs (UNWTO, 2020). However, the growth of tourism in Africa is often constrained by inadequate infrastructure, insecurity, limited air connectivity, and inconsistent policy implementation.

To address these challenges, many African governments have begun crafting national tourism development strategies, strengthening institutions, and engaging in regional cooperation. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 explicitly recognizes tourism as a transformative sector capable of accelerating economic integration and inclusive growth. Rwanda, for instance, has made strategic policy reforms centered on high-end eco-tourism and conservation tourism, making it a model of sustainable tourism development in Africa (Christie et al., 2014).

Nevertheless, a large gap remains between tourism policy formulation and implementation across most African countries. There is a growing need for bottom-up policy approaches that empower local communities, protect indigenous cultures, and ensure equitable distribution of tourism benefits.

Cameroon, often described as “Africa in miniature” due to its cultural, ecological, and geographic diversity, has enormous tourism potential. The country is home to natural parks, waterfalls, mountain ranges, colonial heritage sites, and over 250 ethnic groups. Tourism in Cameroon contributes to GDP, generates employment, and fosters international cultural exchange. However, the country’s tourism sector remains underdeveloped, contributing only about 3% to national GDP as of 2019 (Ministry of Tourism and Leisure [MINTOUL], 2020).

Tourism policies in Cameroon have historically been centralized and focused on promotional campaigns without sufficient investment in rural infrastructure, security, or professional training. The 2015–2020 National Tourism Development Strategy aimed to improve infrastructure, diversify tourist offerings, and encourage public-private partnerships. However, limited funding, political instability, and poor institutional coordination have hindered implementation (Nguimkeu, 2018).

Moreover, the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon have experienced sociopolitical crises in recent years, further complicating tourism development. As a result, there is a growing recognition that effective tourism policies must be tailored to local contexts, especially in marginalized or conflict-affected areas, to foster inclusive development and peace building.

The North West Region of Cameroon is endowed with natural beauty, rich traditions, and vibrant cultural festivals. Destinations such as the Menchum Falls, Lake Awing, the Sabga Hills, and various traditional palaces are of significant tourist interest. The region also hosts several annual cultural events, including the famous Abine Dance and the Ngonso Festival, which showcase the traditions of local ethnic groups. Tourism in the North West has been deeply affected by the ongoing anglophone crisis, resulting in a decline in domestic and international tourist arrivals. While the regional tourism office under MINTOUL has made efforts to promote local tourism, policy implementation has remained weak. Challenges such as insecurity, poor road networks, and lack of investment have stalled the realization of the region’s tourism potential. Nonetheless, the North West Region remains a focal point for future tourism policy reform, particularly in post-conflict recovery planning. Tailored policies that prioritize cultural preservation, infrastructure rehabilitation, and youth engagement in tourism could unlock the region’s untapped potential.

Bafut, located within the Mezam Division of the North West Region, stands out as a culturally rich and historically significant destination. It is renowned for the Bafut Palace, a UNESCO-listed heritage site and the seat of the Bafut Fon (traditional ruler). The palace, with its centuries-old architecture, sacred artifacts, and rituals, serves as a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

Despite its cultural wealth, Bafut has not fully benefited from tourism development due to weak policy attention and the ongoing crisis in the region. Roads leading to tourist sites are in poor condition, there is limited tourist accommodation, and promotional efforts are minimal. The tourism potential of Bafut remains largely untapped, with policy gaps playing a significant role in limiting progress.Existing tourism policies do not adequately address the specific needs of Bafut in terms of cultural preservation, youth involvement, and infrastructure development. Moreover, the lack of community involvement in tourism planning has resulted in limited ownership and sustainability. A re-evaluation of tourism policy frameworks with a focus on local needs, cultural identity, and inclusive development is therefore critical to unlocking tourism’s potential in Bafut.

1.2 Problem Statement

Tourism is widely recognized as a powerful tool for economic growth, cultural preservation, and community development. Yet, in many parts of Cameroon—including Bafut in the North West Region—the sector remains underdeveloped despite its enormous potential. This situation raises questions about the effectiveness of tourism policies and their actual impact on local tourism development. While Cameroon has enacted several national tourism policies over the years, there is little evidence of their successful implementation or positive outcomes at the grassroots level, particularly in culturally rich yet marginalized communities like Bafut.

Firstly, what tourism policies currently exist at the national and regional levels, and how have they been implemented in Bafut? Although policies such as the National Tourism Development Strategy and regional tourism action plans exist, the translation of these documents into meaningful action at the local level has been inconsistent. Many communities lack awareness of these policies, and local government structures often lack the resources or autonomy to implement them effectively.

Secondly, to what extent have these policies contributed to the development of tourism infrastructure, promotion, and cultural preservation in Bafut? Bafut is home to iconic heritage sites like the Bafut Palace, yet the area suffers from poor road access, limited accommodation, and inadequate promotion. This suggests a disconnect between policy intentions and actual development outcomes. The lack of investment and strategic planning continues to hinder the area’s tourism growth and limits its contribution to local livelihoods.

Thirdly, how can tourism policies be improved to better support sustainable tourism development in Bafut? There is a need to examine the gaps in existing policies and explore more inclusive, locally informed approaches that empower traditional authorities, local councils, and community members. Addressing these gaps is essential not only for developing Bafut’s tourism sector but also for contributing to regional stability, cultural identity, and economic resilience.

This study seeks to explore these issues by critically assessing the implications of tourism policies on the development of tourism in Bafut, offering recommendations that align with the needs and aspirations of local stakeholders.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 Main Research Question

What are the implications of tourism policies on tourism development in Bafut, Cameroon?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What are the tourism policies that have been formulated and implemented in Bafut?
2. How do tourism policies impact the preservation of natural attractions in Bafut.

3 What are the benefits of tourism development in local communities, and how can tourism policies be designed to maximize these benefits in Bafut?

1.4 Research objectives

1.4.1 Main Objective

To examine the implications of tourism policies on tourism development in Bafut.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

1. To analyze the tourism policies that have been formulated and implemented in Bafut?

2 . To investigate the influence of tourism policies on the preservation of natural attractions in Bafut

3. To examine the benefits of tourism development for local communities, and to identify strategies for maximizing these benefits in Bafut