Determinants, Implementation Dynamics, and Operational Impacts of Hospitality-Related Public Policies
Main Article Content
Keywords
Hospitality Policy, Stakeholder Theory, Institutional Theory, Policy Implementation, Uganda, Operational Impact
Abstract
The hospitality industry is highly sensitive to economic, technological, and regulatory changes, yet the factors shaping policy formulation, implementation, and operational outcomes remain underexplored, particularly in emerging contexts such as Uganda. This narrative review synthesised literature from hospitality management, public administration, tourism governance, and policy studies, incorporating international perspectives and evidence from developing economies, guided by Stakeholder Theory and Institutional Theory, from 76 sources, including 56 journal articles, 16 reports, and 4 books. The review focused on three main thematic areas. First, the determinants of hospitality-related public policies involve government agencies, industry associations, communities, and market forces. Second, policies impact hospitality business operations through compliance requirements, performance outcomes, and service delivery. Third, the dynamics of policy implementation are influenced by power relations, institutional capacity, formal and informal rules. The findings reveal that hospitality policies are primarily driven by a nexus of technological advancements, macroeconomic stability, consumer protection standards, and the lobbying power of industry associations. Operationally, well-aligned policies enhance service efficiency and market competitiveness; however, the study identifies a significant implementation gap characterized by institutional decoupling, where formal regulations are often bypassed by informal hybrid governance arrangements. This is particularly evident in resource-constrained environments where weak institutional capacity and power imbalances between large and small-scale operators dictate policy outcomes. The review proposes an Adaptive Hospitality Policy Model, emphasizing a continuous feedback loop between regulators and stakeholders to ensure that policies remain context-sensitive and operationally feasible. The study concludes that sustainable sector development in Uganda and similar emerging economies depends on transitioning from top-down regulatory mandates to inclusive, stakeholder-driven governance frameworks that prioritize digital competence and institutional transparency. Recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing stakeholder engagement, and aligning regulations with industry dynamics to improve policy effectiveness.
References
Aguinis, H., Kraus, S., Poček, J., Meyer, N., & Søren, H. (2023). The why, how, and what of public policy implications of tourism and hospitality research. Tourism Management, 95, 104720. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S026151772300002X
Ainebyona, P. (2024). Analysis of challenges in tour guiding within protected areas of Uganda: A case study of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda Budget Information Repository. https://library.kab.ac.ug/Record/oai:idr.kab.ac.ug:20.500.12493-2646/Details?sid=5700647
Aladag, O. F., Köseoglu, M. A., King, B., & Mehraliyev, F. (2020). Strategy implementation research in hospitality and tourism: Current status and future potential. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 88, 102556. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278431920301080
Atwijukire, J. (2019). Human resource development and operational efficiency in Ugandan hotels. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 11(2), 112–130.
Baggio, R., & Cooper, C. (2009). Knowledge transfer in tourism networks: An analysis of stakeholder collaboration. Tourism Management, 30(3), 394–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.09.012
Chusnida, N. L. M., Widyanti, Y. E., & Djumikasih, D. (2024). Analysis of the application of Article 18 of the Consumer Protection Law in tourism services. International Journal of Business, Law, and Education, 5(1), 668–680. https://doi.org/10.56442/ijble.v5i1.447
Cooper, H. M. (1989). Integrating research: A guide for literature reviews (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Cooper, R. (2010). Creative combinations in qualitative inquiry. The Qualitative Report, 15(4), 998–1001. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2010.1194
DiMaggio, P. J., & Powell, W. W. (1983). The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields. American Sociological Review, 48(2), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.2307/2095101
Dogru, T., Isik, C., & Sirakaya-Turk, E. (2019). The balance of trade and exchange rates: Theory and contemporary evidence from tourism. Tourism Management, 74, 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2019.01.014
Dogru, T., Line, N., Mody, M., Hanks, L., Abbott, J. A., Acikgoz, F., … & Zhang, T. (2023). Generative artificial intelligence in the hospitality and tourism industry: Developing a framework for future research. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 49(2), 235–253. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480231188663
Domorenok, E., Graziano, P., & Polverari, L. (2021). Introduction: Policy integration and institutional capacity: Theoretical, conceptual and empirical challenges. Policy and Society, 40(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2021.1902058
Dossou, T. A. M., Asongu, S. A., Kambaye, E. N., Dossou, K. P., & Alinsato, A. S. (2023). Governance, tourism and inclusive growth in Africa. International Social Science Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/issj.12476
Dredge, D. (2006). Policy networks and the local organisation of tourism. Tourism Management, 27(2), 269–280.
Dutta, I. (2024). Adapting to change: Exploring contemporary issues in the tourism and hospitality industry. International Journal of Advanced Academic Studies, 6(9), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.33545/27068919.2024.v6.i9a.1262
Fiveable Content Team. (2025, September). Introduction to public policy review: Institutional capacity. Fiveable. https://fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-to-public-policy/institutional-capacity
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman.
Gozgor, G. (2024). The impact of digital governance on tourism development. Journal of Tourism Economics, 00(00), 1–12.
Greenwood, V. A., & Dwyer, L. (2015). Consumer protection legislation: A neglected determinant of destination competitiveness? Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 24, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2015.04.001
Guo, Y., Jiang, Y., & Li, X. (2019). Stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(12), 1840–1857. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1619505
Hall, C., Scott, D., & Gössling, S. (2014). Tourism, climate change and development. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781845414740-013
Harefa, S. (2025). Legal protection of consumers in tourism digital marketing strategies in the digital economy era. JELAJAH: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.33830/jelajah.v6i2.11709
Higgins-Desbiolles, F., & Bianchi, R. (2024). Towards understanding and managing the politics of tourism in a crisis-challenged world. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 5(2), 100160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annale.2024.100160
Hu, H., Lovelock, B., Ying, T., & Mager, B. (2019). Stakeholder networks and governance in the tourism sector. Tourism Management, 70, 320–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.09.017
Hu, X., Zhang, Y., & Wang, S. (2023). Policy networks, interest groups, and sustainable hotel water-use policy: An interdisciplinary perspective. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(4), 687–706.
International Monetary Fund. (2024a). Global financial stability report: Steadying the course—Uncertainty, artificial intelligence, and financial stability. https://www.imf.org/publications/gfsr
International Monetary Fund. (2024b). IMF annual report 2024. https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/2024
International Monetary Fund. (2024c). Uganda: Fifth review under the extended credit facility arrangement. https://www.imf.org/english/1ugaea2024001
Kaddu, M., Aguilera Mesa, L., & Carson, L. (2023). Challenges to policy implementation in Uganda (Final report UGA-22107). International Growth Centre. https://www.theigc.org/sites/default/files/202406/Final%20report%20Kaddu%20et%20al%20April%202023.pdf
Kayompatho, P. (2023). The impact of digital technology on customers’ experiences in experimental tourism: A case study of Pakwach Town Hotels [Undergraduate dissertation, Uganda Christian University]. Uganda Christian University Repository. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/1260
Khatter, A., White, L., Pyke, J., & McGrath, M. (2021). Stakeholders’ influence on environmental sustainability in the Australian hotel industry. Sustainability, 13(3), 1351. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031351
Kimingi, A. M., Mwenda, L., & Chege, P. (2024). Effect of digital security systems on market performance in 3–5 star rated hotels in Nakuru County, Kenya. African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 3(1), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.37284/ajthm.3.1.1829
Lukose, J., & Agbeyangi, A. (2024). Enhancing ICT literacy and sustainable practices in the hospitality industry: Insights from Mnquma Municipality (arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.02781). https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2410.02781
Mahendrawati, N. L. M., Sugiartha, K. G., & Mahaputra, I. B. G. A. (2025). Consumer protection model in tourism business activities: A comparative study between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. International Journal of Law, 11(11), 92–95.
Mbabazi, C. (2025, August 3). MTN Uganda, MoMo and UHOA seal strategic partnership to digitize Uganda’s hospitality sector. The Tower Post. https://thetowerpost.com/2025/08/03/mtn-uganda-momo-and-uhoa-seal-strategic-partnership-to-digitize-ugandas-hospitality-sector
Menicucci, E., & Paolucci, G. (2024). The effects of economic policy uncertainty on hotel performance: Evidence from the Italian hospitality sector. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-04-2024-0386
Meyer, D. F., & Rheeders, T. (2024). The influence of good governance on the tourism sector: The case of South Africa. Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Research, 5(2), 84–95. https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1299375
Milhorance, C. (2022). Analysing complex policy problems : a critical review of the literature International Journal of Public Policy 16, 126–150
Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA). (n.d.). Policy and regulatory framework for Uganda’s tourism sector. MTWA.
Montes de Oca Munguia, O., & Bayne, K. (2025). Bridging the Adoption Gap in Primary Sectors: A Systemic Technology Adoption Model. Agronomy, 15(12), 2820. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122820
Mucharreira, P. R., Antunes, M. G., Abranja, N., Justino, M. R. T., & Quirós, J. T. (2019). The relevance of tourism in financial sustainability of hotels. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 25(3), 165–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iedeen.2019.07.002
Mugambi, R. G., Chege, P. W., & Mwenda, L. K. M. (2025). Tech-enabled hospitality: How ICT tools transform hotel performance in Meru County, Kenya. African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 4(1), 390–401. https://doi.org/10.37284/ajthm.4.1.3625
Muheebwa, E., Namara, R., & Okello, T. (2019). Total quality management and certification programs in Uganda’s hospitality sector. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 36(5), 654–670. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-02-2018-0045
Namara, R., & Kobusingye, D. (2024). Regulatory compliance and service quality in Ugandan hotels. Journal of Tourism Policy and Management, 15(2), 101–120.
National Tourism Sector Development Plan, 2015/16–2019/20. (2015). Government of Uganda.
Nguyen, T. (2020). Fiscal policy and investment attractiveness in hospitality. Tourism Economics, 26(4), 610–628. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816619891234
Nieuwland, S., & Rianne van Melik (2018): Regulating Airbnb: how citiesdeal with perceived negative externalities of short-term rentals, Current Issues in Tourism
Nyahi, N. O., Kariuki, A. C., & Muthengi, S. (2023). Influence of the impact of tourism partnerships and associated tourism factors on the performance of tourism in beaches of Kwale County. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 6(2), 22–41. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t4135
Nyheim, P. D., McFadden, F. R., Connolly, D. J., & Palmer, A. (2020). Hotel technology and innovation: Managing employee and customer expectations in a digital era. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 87, 102498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102498
OECD. (2018). Effective policy approaches for quality investment in tourism. OECD Tourism Papers, No. 2018/03. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/88ea780c-en
Oloso, S. E. (2025). Evaluating the role of government policies in enhancing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(5), 4176–4184. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.905000318
Ondieki, E. B., Amwata, D. A., Nyariki, D. M., & Bulitia, G. M. (2024). Contribution of tourism investments and their impact on the local economies of Kenya: A case study of Nakuru County. African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 3(1), 141–154. https://doi.org/10.37284/ajthm.3.1.1939
Pănoiu, T.-M., & Foris, D. (2024). The influence of online booking platforms on travel decision-making. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brașov, Series V: Economic Sciences, 17(66), [article]. https://doi.org/10.31926/but.es.2024.17.66.2.5
Pennington-Gray. L., & S, Lee . (2024). The demand for safety measures in the hospitality industry: Changes over three phases of a pandemic: International Journal of Hospitality Management,Volume 122, September 2024, 103873 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2024.103873
Polity. (2025, October 13). AI in hospitality: Navigating the enhancement revolution. Polity.org.za. https://www.polity.org.za/article/ai-in-hospitality-navigating-the-enhancement-revolution-2025-10-13
Polukhina, A., Sheresheva, M., Napolskikh, D., & Lezhnin, V. (2025). Digital solutions in tourism as a way to boost sustainable development: Evidence from a transition economy. Su.
Publication, T. J. P. R. C. (2013). Foreign direct investment (FDI) and investment opportunities in Uganda. TJPRC.
Rasul, G., & Sharma, B. (2016). The nexus approach to water-energy-food security: An option for adaptation to climate change. Climate Policy, 16(6), 682–702. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2015.1029865
Scott, W. R. (2014). Institutions and organizations: Ideas, interests, and identities (4th ed.). Sage.
Sigala, M. (2018). Social media and customer engagement in the tourism and hospitality industry. In M. Sigala (Ed.), Social media in travel, tourism and hospitality: Theory, practice and cases (2nd ed., pp. 171–192). Routledge.
Ssegirinya, D. (2025). Digital innovation and service transformation in East African hotels. East African Journal of Hospitality Management, 8(1), 25–44.
Toh, T. L., Oo, K., Bhaumik, A., & Chakkaravarthy, M. (2025). Institutional capacity and sustainable tourism: A case study from Myanmar. Journal of Tourism and Sports Management, 7(1), 2174–2194. https://www.scitcentral.com/article/47/3401/INSTITUTIONAL-CAPACITY-AND-SUSTAINABLE-TOURISM-A-CASE-STUDY-FROM-MYANMAR
Tushabe, S., Turyasingura, B., & Rwotolonya, A. (2023). ICT adoption in Uganda’s hospitality sector: Opportunities and constraints. African Journal of Tourism Studies, 14(1), 75–94
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). (2023). Tourism and hospitality sector report 2023. UBOS. https://www.ubos.org
Uganda Investment Authority. (2024). Tax incentive guide. https://www.ugandainvest.go.ug
Uganda Safari Guides Association. (2021, April). Professional standards and guidelines for tour guiding in Uganda.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). (2020). Tourism sector ICT adoption and policy report. UTB.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2024). Trade and development report 2024: Rethinking development in the age of discontent (UNCTAD/TDR/2024). United Nations. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tdr2024_en.pdf
Wakyereza, R. K. S. (2017). The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth, employment and poverty reduction in Uganda. May.
World Bank. (2024). Uganda economic update: Strengthening the tourism sector for inclusive growth. World Bank Group.
World Economic Forum. (2023). The future of jobs report 2023. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf
World Travel & Tourism Council. (2023, November 2). Travel & tourism in Africa could boost continent’s economy by US$168 bn over the next 10 years. https://wttc.org/news/travel-and-tourism-in-africa-could-boost-continents-economy-by-usd168bn-over-the-next-10-years
Wszendybył-Skulska, E., & Panasiuk, A. (2024). The Classification of Hotels in the Context of Sustainable Development Factors: A Case Study of Public Policy in the European Union and Poland. Sustainability, 16(19), 8485. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198485
Yap, Y.-Y., Tan, S.-H., Tan, B.-C., & Tan, S.-K. (2025). Smart tourism technologies and tourist satisfaction: A systematic literature review and research agenda. Acta Psychologica, 258, 105191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105191
Yue Yu, H., Li, X., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Fiscal incentives and foreign investment in hospitality. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 87, 102492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2019.102492
Ainebyona, P. (2024). Analysis of challenges in tour guiding within protected areas of Uganda: A case study of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Uganda Budget Information Repository. https://library.kab.ac.ug/Record/oai:idr.kab.ac.ug:20.500.12493-2646/Details?sid=5700647
Aladag, O. F., Köseoglu, M. A., King, B., & Mehraliyev, F. (2020). Strategy implementation research in hospitality and tourism: Current status and future potential. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 88, 102556. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278431920301080
Atwijukire, J. (2019). Human resource development and operational efficiency in Ugandan hotels. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research, 11(2), 112–130.
Baggio, R., & Cooper, C. (2009). Knowledge transfer in tourism networks: An analysis of stakeholder collaboration. Tourism Management, 30(3), 394–402. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2008.09.012
Chusnida, N. L. M., Widyanti, Y. E., & Djumikasih, D. (2024). Analysis of the application of Article 18 of the Consumer Protection Law in tourism services. International Journal of Business, Law, and Education, 5(1), 668–680. https://doi.org/10.56442/ijble.v5i1.447
Cooper, H. M. (1989). Integrating research: A guide for literature reviews (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.
Cooper, R. (2010). Creative combinations in qualitative inquiry. The Qualitative Report, 15(4), 998–1001. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2010.1194
DiMaggio, P. J., & Powell, W. W. (1983). The iron cage revisited: Institutional isomorphism and collective rationality in organizational fields. American Sociological Review, 48(2), 147–160. https://doi.org/10.2307/2095101
Dogru, T., Isik, C., & Sirakaya-Turk, E. (2019). The balance of trade and exchange rates: Theory and contemporary evidence from tourism. Tourism Management, 74, 12–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2019.01.014
Dogru, T., Line, N., Mody, M., Hanks, L., Abbott, J. A., Acikgoz, F., … & Zhang, T. (2023). Generative artificial intelligence in the hospitality and tourism industry: Developing a framework for future research. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Research, 49(2), 235–253. https://doi.org/10.1177/10963480231188663
Domorenok, E., Graziano, P., & Polverari, L. (2021). Introduction: Policy integration and institutional capacity: Theoretical, conceptual and empirical challenges. Policy and Society, 40(1), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/14494035.2021.1902058
Dossou, T. A. M., Asongu, S. A., Kambaye, E. N., Dossou, K. P., & Alinsato, A. S. (2023). Governance, tourism and inclusive growth in Africa. International Social Science Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/issj.12476
Dredge, D. (2006). Policy networks and the local organisation of tourism. Tourism Management, 27(2), 269–280.
Dutta, I. (2024). Adapting to change: Exploring contemporary issues in the tourism and hospitality industry. International Journal of Advanced Academic Studies, 6(9), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.33545/27068919.2024.v6.i9a.1262
Fiveable Content Team. (2025, September). Introduction to public policy review: Institutional capacity. Fiveable. https://fiveable.me/key-terms/introduction-to-public-policy/institutional-capacity
Freeman, R. E. (1984). Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Pitman.
Gozgor, G. (2024). The impact of digital governance on tourism development. Journal of Tourism Economics, 00(00), 1–12.
Greenwood, V. A., & Dwyer, L. (2015). Consumer protection legislation: A neglected determinant of destination competitiveness? Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 24, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2015.04.001
Guo, Y., Jiang, Y., & Li, X. (2019). Stakeholder engagement and sustainable tourism development. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 27(12), 1840–1857. https://doi.org/10.1080/09669582.2019.1619505
Hall, C., Scott, D., & Gössling, S. (2014). Tourism, climate change and development. https://doi.org/10.21832/9781845414740-013
Harefa, S. (2025). Legal protection of consumers in tourism digital marketing strategies in the digital economy era. JELAJAH: Journal of Tourism and Hospitality, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.33830/jelajah.v6i2.11709
Higgins-Desbiolles, F., & Bianchi, R. (2024). Towards understanding and managing the politics of tourism in a crisis-challenged world. Annals of Tourism Research Empirical Insights, 5(2), 100160. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annale.2024.100160
Hu, H., Lovelock, B., Ying, T., & Mager, B. (2019). Stakeholder networks and governance in the tourism sector. Tourism Management, 70, 320–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2018.09.017
Hu, X., Zhang, Y., & Wang, S. (2023). Policy networks, interest groups, and sustainable hotel water-use policy: An interdisciplinary perspective. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 31(4), 687–706.
International Monetary Fund. (2024a). Global financial stability report: Steadying the course—Uncertainty, artificial intelligence, and financial stability. https://www.imf.org/publications/gfsr
International Monetary Fund. (2024b). IMF annual report 2024. https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/2024
International Monetary Fund. (2024c). Uganda: Fifth review under the extended credit facility arrangement. https://www.imf.org/english/1ugaea2024001
Kaddu, M., Aguilera Mesa, L., & Carson, L. (2023). Challenges to policy implementation in Uganda (Final report UGA-22107). International Growth Centre. https://www.theigc.org/sites/default/files/202406/Final%20report%20Kaddu%20et%20al%20April%202023.pdf
Kayompatho, P. (2023). The impact of digital technology on customers’ experiences in experimental tourism: A case study of Pakwach Town Hotels [Undergraduate dissertation, Uganda Christian University]. Uganda Christian University Repository. https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12311/1260
Khatter, A., White, L., Pyke, J., & McGrath, M. (2021). Stakeholders’ influence on environmental sustainability in the Australian hotel industry. Sustainability, 13(3), 1351. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031351
Kimingi, A. M., Mwenda, L., & Chege, P. (2024). Effect of digital security systems on market performance in 3–5 star rated hotels in Nakuru County, Kenya. African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 3(1), 56–65. https://doi.org/10.37284/ajthm.3.1.1829
Lukose, J., & Agbeyangi, A. (2024). Enhancing ICT literacy and sustainable practices in the hospitality industry: Insights from Mnquma Municipality (arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.02781). https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2410.02781
Mahendrawati, N. L. M., Sugiartha, K. G., & Mahaputra, I. B. G. A. (2025). Consumer protection model in tourism business activities: A comparative study between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. International Journal of Law, 11(11), 92–95.
Mbabazi, C. (2025, August 3). MTN Uganda, MoMo and UHOA seal strategic partnership to digitize Uganda’s hospitality sector. The Tower Post. https://thetowerpost.com/2025/08/03/mtn-uganda-momo-and-uhoa-seal-strategic-partnership-to-digitize-ugandas-hospitality-sector
Menicucci, E., & Paolucci, G. (2024). The effects of economic policy uncertainty on hotel performance: Evidence from the Italian hospitality sector. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, 8. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHTI-04-2024-0386
Meyer, D. F., & Rheeders, T. (2024). The influence of good governance on the tourism sector: The case of South Africa. Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Research, 5(2), 84–95. https://doi.org/10.48119/toleho.1299375
Milhorance, C. (2022). Analysing complex policy problems : a critical review of the literature International Journal of Public Policy 16, 126–150
Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities (MTWA). (n.d.). Policy and regulatory framework for Uganda’s tourism sector. MTWA.
Montes de Oca Munguia, O., & Bayne, K. (2025). Bridging the Adoption Gap in Primary Sectors: A Systemic Technology Adoption Model. Agronomy, 15(12), 2820. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122820
Mucharreira, P. R., Antunes, M. G., Abranja, N., Justino, M. R. T., & Quirós, J. T. (2019). The relevance of tourism in financial sustainability of hotels. European Research on Management and Business Economics, 25(3), 165–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.iedeen.2019.07.002
Mugambi, R. G., Chege, P. W., & Mwenda, L. K. M. (2025). Tech-enabled hospitality: How ICT tools transform hotel performance in Meru County, Kenya. African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 4(1), 390–401. https://doi.org/10.37284/ajthm.4.1.3625
Muheebwa, E., Namara, R., & Okello, T. (2019). Total quality management and certification programs in Uganda’s hospitality sector. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 36(5), 654–670. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-02-2018-0045
Namara, R., & Kobusingye, D. (2024). Regulatory compliance and service quality in Ugandan hotels. Journal of Tourism Policy and Management, 15(2), 101–120.
National Tourism Sector Development Plan, 2015/16–2019/20. (2015). Government of Uganda.
Nguyen, T. (2020). Fiscal policy and investment attractiveness in hospitality. Tourism Economics, 26(4), 610–628. https://doi.org/10.1177/1354816619891234
Nieuwland, S., & Rianne van Melik (2018): Regulating Airbnb: how citiesdeal with perceived negative externalities of short-term rentals, Current Issues in Tourism
Nyahi, N. O., Kariuki, A. C., & Muthengi, S. (2023). Influence of the impact of tourism partnerships and associated tourism factors on the performance of tourism in beaches of Kwale County. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 6(2), 22–41. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t4135
Nyheim, P. D., McFadden, F. R., Connolly, D. J., & Palmer, A. (2020). Hotel technology and innovation: Managing employee and customer expectations in a digital era. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 87, 102498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2020.102498
OECD. (2018). Effective policy approaches for quality investment in tourism. OECD Tourism Papers, No. 2018/03. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/88ea780c-en
Oloso, S. E. (2025). Evaluating the role of government policies in enhancing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 9(5), 4176–4184. https://doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.905000318
Ondieki, E. B., Amwata, D. A., Nyariki, D. M., & Bulitia, G. M. (2024). Contribution of tourism investments and their impact on the local economies of Kenya: A case study of Nakuru County. African Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management, 3(1), 141–154. https://doi.org/10.37284/ajthm.3.1.1939
Pănoiu, T.-M., & Foris, D. (2024). The influence of online booking platforms on travel decision-making. Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Brașov, Series V: Economic Sciences, 17(66), [article]. https://doi.org/10.31926/but.es.2024.17.66.2.5
Pennington-Gray. L., & S, Lee . (2024). The demand for safety measures in the hospitality industry: Changes over three phases of a pandemic: International Journal of Hospitality Management,Volume 122, September 2024, 103873 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2024.103873
Polity. (2025, October 13). AI in hospitality: Navigating the enhancement revolution. Polity.org.za. https://www.polity.org.za/article/ai-in-hospitality-navigating-the-enhancement-revolution-2025-10-13
Polukhina, A., Sheresheva, M., Napolskikh, D., & Lezhnin, V. (2025). Digital solutions in tourism as a way to boost sustainable development: Evidence from a transition economy. Su.
Publication, T. J. P. R. C. (2013). Foreign direct investment (FDI) and investment opportunities in Uganda. TJPRC.
Rasul, G., & Sharma, B. (2016). The nexus approach to water-energy-food security: An option for adaptation to climate change. Climate Policy, 16(6), 682–702. https://doi.org/10.1080/14693062.2015.1029865
Scott, W. R. (2014). Institutions and organizations: Ideas, interests, and identities (4th ed.). Sage.
Sigala, M. (2018). Social media and customer engagement in the tourism and hospitality industry. In M. Sigala (Ed.), Social media in travel, tourism and hospitality: Theory, practice and cases (2nd ed., pp. 171–192). Routledge.
Ssegirinya, D. (2025). Digital innovation and service transformation in East African hotels. East African Journal of Hospitality Management, 8(1), 25–44.
Toh, T. L., Oo, K., Bhaumik, A., & Chakkaravarthy, M. (2025). Institutional capacity and sustainable tourism: A case study from Myanmar. Journal of Tourism and Sports Management, 7(1), 2174–2194. https://www.scitcentral.com/article/47/3401/INSTITUTIONAL-CAPACITY-AND-SUSTAINABLE-TOURISM-A-CASE-STUDY-FROM-MYANMAR
Tushabe, S., Turyasingura, B., & Rwotolonya, A. (2023). ICT adoption in Uganda’s hospitality sector: Opportunities and constraints. African Journal of Tourism Studies, 14(1), 75–94
Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). (2023). Tourism and hospitality sector report 2023. UBOS. https://www.ubos.org
Uganda Investment Authority. (2024). Tax incentive guide. https://www.ugandainvest.go.ug
Uganda Safari Guides Association. (2021, April). Professional standards and guidelines for tour guiding in Uganda.
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB). (2020). Tourism sector ICT adoption and policy report. UTB.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. (2024). Trade and development report 2024: Rethinking development in the age of discontent (UNCTAD/TDR/2024). United Nations. https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/tdr2024_en.pdf
Wakyereza, R. K. S. (2017). The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth, employment and poverty reduction in Uganda. May.
World Bank. (2024). Uganda economic update: Strengthening the tourism sector for inclusive growth. World Bank Group.
World Economic Forum. (2023). The future of jobs report 2023. https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_2023.pdf
World Travel & Tourism Council. (2023, November 2). Travel & tourism in Africa could boost continent’s economy by US$168 bn over the next 10 years. https://wttc.org/news/travel-and-tourism-in-africa-could-boost-continents-economy-by-usd168bn-over-the-next-10-years
Wszendybył-Skulska, E., & Panasiuk, A. (2024). The Classification of Hotels in the Context of Sustainable Development Factors: A Case Study of Public Policy in the European Union and Poland. Sustainability, 16(19), 8485. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16198485
Yap, Y.-Y., Tan, S.-H., Tan, B.-C., & Tan, S.-K. (2025). Smart tourism technologies and tourist satisfaction: A systematic literature review and research agenda. Acta Psychologica, 258, 105191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105191
Yue Yu, H., Li, X., & Zhang, Q. (2020). Fiscal incentives and foreign investment in hospitality. International Journal of Hospitality Management, 87, 102492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhm.2019.102492
Article Sidebar
Published
May 6, 2026
Article Details
How to Cite
Nansamba, E., & Rotich, D. (2026). Determinants, Implementation Dynamics, and Operational Impacts of Hospitality-Related Public Policies. Journal of Frontiers in Humanities and Social Sciences, 4(2), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.69897/jofhscs.v4i2.348
Issue
Section
Review Articles
Author Biographies
Esther Nansamba, Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Kabale University, P. O. Box 317, Kabale, Uganda
Institute of Tourism and Hospitality, Kabale University, P.O. Box 317, Kabale, Uganda
Dorothy Rotich, School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management, Moi University, P. O. Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya
School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management,
Moi University, P. O. Box 3900-30100, Eldoret, Kenya