Web-based GIS for managing and promoting tourism in sub-Saharan Africa

Tourism is one of the largest contributors and fastest-growing economic sectors in many sub-Saharan Africa countries. However, most countries face management and promotional challenges because they use static methods such as brochures, books, posters and television broadcasts as well as websites with non-interactive maps to manage and promote tourism resources. These approaches are not only expensive due to information update and expirations, but also do not provide sufficient abstractions to guide tourists when planning for travel. This study designed a Web-based Geographic Information System (GIS) model with dynamic and interactive maps for managing and promoting tourism resources using data collected in Tanzania. The results of spatially based tourism data flow and database models were used to design and create web maps contained in a web-based GIS with more abstractions. The designed model provides an opportunity to manage and promote tourism resources for successful and sustainable tourism industry.