Tourists’ Perceptions about the Lake Victoria Region Tourist Circuit, Kenya

Understanding tourists’ perceptions is vital for enhancing destination competitiveness. This study explored tourists’ perceptions of the Lake Victoria Region Tourist Circuit using an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, collecting data from 8 business development managers and 299 tourists (sampled via multi-stage methods from 26 hotels). Qualitative data underwent framework analysis, while quantitative data was analysed using descriptive factor analysis in SPSS 21. The study identified four key perception factors: perceived destination awareness (critical component: destination's name and reputation), perceived destination image (critical component: memorable characteristics), perceived destination quality (critical component: reliable tourism infrastructure), and perceived destination value (critical component: generally satisfying experience)