TOURISTS' PERCEPTION AND SATISFACTION AT RATTERY PARK - GHANA

Abstract

Parks have great value such as being an attraction for leisure and recreation which contributes positively to travel for tourism and the economy. The realization of this potential however, hinges mostly on facilities, management, and visitors. This research was conducted in the Rattray Park in Kumasi (Ghana). The main aim was to ascertain the attributes which influence the overall visit to the park. Data were sourced from park visitors employing the use of questionnaire administration, and observation in the park facility. Summarized and numerically coded survey data were placed in a Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS) software version 23. Basic statistical analysis, such as descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and cross-tabulations were used to analyze users’ demographic characteristics and personal information, knowledge and awareness, including perception and satisfaction with physical features at the park. Results indicate that tourists’ perception of accessibility to the park was positive and visitors were mostly satisfied. Meanwhile, from the aspects of tourism products, attractions and management, patrons had a negative perception which indicates that these two aspects needed a lot of improvement. It is recommended that, rehabilitation and maintenance of facilities at the park should be enhanced to put it in proper condition, while management needed to pay more attention to customer care through smart service provision.

 Keywords: Rattray Park, Perception, Recreation, Satisfaction, Tourism