The Impact of Tourism on Rural Development: The Kwabre District as a Case Study

This paper assesses the traditional craft-based tourism industry in the Kwbre District of Ghana . It investigates specific crafts namely adinkra making, kente weaving and wood carving with the view to highlight their potentials for harness and use as the basis for the development of rural tourism-based economies. The paper examines the state and components of tourism development and factors impinging on the tourism industry in the district. Key informant interviews with heads of relevant institutions, interviews with tourists, socio-economic survey and personal observation of the study district were employed to collect data. The study reveals that the district's potential of being endowed with the benefits of unique cultural tourism attractions coupled with an atmosphere of a friendly people (who have been described by tourists to the district as extremely helpful, accommodating and sociable) places it strategically to prioritize and pursue tourism development. Keywords: Traditional Craft-based Tourism Industry, Tourism Development Components, Impact Assessment model, diversification, Rural Development Ghana Journal of Development Studies Vol. 3 (2) 2006: pp. 99-11