Beatrice Waleghwa
What is your research area?
My PhD research is concerned with the study of sustainable mobility in rural tourism areas. In particular, my research aims to:
i) contribute to a better understanding of the transport challenges faced by rural tourism areas
ii) explore how sustainable mobility can be planned in such places
The overarching research question that has guided my investigation is: How can rural tourism regions promote sustainable mobility? To answer this question, the study is based on two fundamental principles of the sustainable mobility paradigm: first, that changing user practices (e.g. mode choice) and implementing land use policies that facilitate the adoption of sustainable travel options are crucial elements in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon transport future. These principles have been the subject of considerable research attention in the fields of transport, tourism and sustainability, but remain particularly relevant in rural tourism regions. To investigate these issues in rural tourism settings, I have adopted a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative (interviews, participant observation, public participation GIS mapping, document analysis, open-ended surveys) and quantitative (closed-ended surveys) techniques in my research.
Tell us about your background
I have a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Kenyatta University, Kenya. My master’s degree is in tourism and sustainability from Linnaeus University, Sweden.
Who is your supervisor?
Dimitri Ioannides from Mid Sweden University and Tobias Heldt from Dalarna University.
Are you employed in a project?
I am currently working on the SITE project at the Centre for Tourism and Leisure Studies at Dalarna University. The project is about the development of sustainable mobility in the destinations Salen, Idre, Trysil and Engerdal (SITE). More information about the project can be found here: