Received December 15, 2019; Revised April 21, 2020; Accepted April 26, 2020

Abstract: This study sought to examine the role of Tourism revenue sharing in reducing poverty around national parks of Rwanda using mixed research design of quantitative and qualitative techniques. The study found out that revenue sharing from tourism contributes to poverty reduction, income generating activities, provides employment opportunities, infrastructural development and environmental protection. However,it experiences some challenges such as insufficient funding, poor managerial skills of TRS beneficiaries, poor planning and lack of effective involvement of beneficiaries in decision making. The study concludes that the project of sharing revenue has played a very vital role in poverty alleviation. The study recommends that government of Rwanda should work hand in hand with the local people in formation of cooperatives,which will help in catering for their basic needs and engage also in small medium enterprises which will create employment opportunities for them and much more emphasis on vocational training to improve competences in skills, knowledge and attitude.

Received March 9, 2020; Reviewed April 11, 2020; Accepted April 17, 2020

Abstract: The study examined Rwanda’s innovative marketing strategies and its influence on tourism development. The study used a sample size of 123 respondents mainly from Rwanda Development Board(RDB), tour operators, tourists, park officials and transport officers who were conveniently and purposively selected in accordance to their availability and willingness to participate in the study. The major findings revealed that Rwanda has existing traditional marketing strategies. However, given their performance, they are not as effective as they are supposed to be. In a bit to attract more tourists, RDB introduced new innovative marketing designs which can capture the attention and the mind of the visitor. This is in agreement with Morgan and Pitchard (2000) who stated and argued that the battle for customers in the tourism industry will be fought not over price but over the hearts and minds, thus, RDB introduced Kwita Izina ceremony,diplomats country tour, partnerships with European football clubs, product innovation,MICE tourism, doubling gorilla price, improving service standards, and biodiversity conservation. This has increased visitor arrivals hence, tourism growth in terms of sales revenue, private sector investment, increased FDI in tourism sector among others. The study recommends more allocation of funds for the effective global marketing, particularly with a mix of both private and public efforts.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated implementation and perceived impact of competency-based curriculum in tourism and hospitality on the workforce preparedness in Southern Province, Rwanda. This study was guided by constructivism theory. The study used concurrent mixed methods and the respondents (graduates of VTCs) were purposively selected. The findings revealed that teachinglearning process, identification of competencies and assessment were the predictors of workforce preparedness. The study recommended that MBAROVE model be used to guide proper implementation of competency-based curriculum in VTCs offering tourism and hospitality courses in culinary arts in Rwanda. It also recommends that this model gets subjected to scrutiny to establish functionability in other environments. The study suggested that a similar work be done at national level in all TVETs and that the Ministry of Education provide training to national curriculum developers that enhance global competitiveness in competency-based curriculum.

Received March 5, 2018; Revised April 4, 2018; Accepted April 11, 2018

Abstract: Effective exchange of experiences and skills is not guaranteed by the enormous potentials of internetworking systems and devices. E-learning technologies represent a good opportunity to reduce the digital divide and to ensure faster and higher development trends. The study focused on the following objectives: 1) To identify the adoption process of E-learning platform in UTB, 2) to identify students’ perception of E-learning platform in UTB, 3) to identify the possible challenges faced during adoption process. The research design of the study was descriptive and both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Primary data and secondary data were collected through questionnaires, Interviews and documentation. The study revealed and analyzed the following stages taken to adopt E-learning system: 1) knowledge, 2) persuasion, 3) decision, 4) implementation, and 5) confirmation. One of the most relevant barriers to the effective diffusion of e-learning concerns the cultural and personal attitudes of both teachers and students towards e-learning. The following challenges were indicated: 1) lower Internet access, 2) reluctance of students towards E-learning, 3) non-familiarity of students with ICT related facilities. Researchers recommend the following: University should raise students’ awareness of E-learning and motivate them to use available learning services provided by the university on E-learning platform. The university should cease providing paper-based learning materials to students by encouraging them to access them from Elearning platform. Students should be motivated and trained on ICT-related courses.