Tourism in Kenya

Reasons for Tourism in Kenya

Safari Holidays National parks
Mass tourism from the UK to Kenya, began in late 1980s as larger aircraft meant prices were not much higher than those for holidays in Spain.

Game Reserves

Cultural experience
Local tribes e.g. Maasai

Beach Holidays Fine sands & coral reefs e.g. Mombasa

Attractive, climate hot sunshine all year!

Advantages and Disadvantages of tourism in Kenya which are which?

Tourism encourages building of new roads and better communications. Jobs in tourism have helped develop peoples business skills Most of the jobs are poorly paid and unskilled Hot air balloons disturb animals by casting shadows and the noise of the burner Tourism has created all round jobs for Kenyans. A lot of the money paid for holidays, never reaches Kenya (travel companies and foreign owned hotels get it) Safari minibuses disturb animals and cause soil erosion.

Drugs and crime has increased and AIDS is a major problem

Coastal areas damaged, e.g. coral damaged Many people have been forced out of the National Parks, losing their land and way of life.

National parks which have been created help to encourage people to protect the environment

Tourism has created a demand for local food from farmers. Provides money to help Tourism is now keep local customs and Kenyas biggest culture alive earner

Sustainable Tourism
Tourism can bring many benefits to an area but can also bring many problems. In order to ensure that an area continues to benefit from tourism without compromising the environment, Sustainable Tourism is needed. What is Sustainable Tourism? Sustainable Tourism is that in which resources are used carefully and wisely and in which the environment is not damaged. Which of the following is an example of sustainable tourism? Buying coral in a souvenir shop Looking at wildlife in a national park with a local guide

An example of sustainable tourism: ECOTOURISM

Ecotourism is a form of sustainable tourism designed so that the environment and local culture are not damaged. For Example: Income from tourism may be used to further manage / improve the environment Tourism may help to keep traditions alive / support local livelihoods Tourism can help to educate people about the need to look after the environment etc.

Kigio Conservancy

Ecotourism in Kenya

Kigio Conservancy An example of Ecotourism in Kenya

When and Why set up?

Set up in 1997 on an old beef / dairy ranch

Aim: to provide a wildlife sanctuary and a sustainable eco-tourism destination. Accommodation cottages built of mud/timber/thatch using local materials and methods furniture built from re-claimed timber from the grounds no electricity oil lamps

Eco-tourism activities: Partnerships with local communities Links with local schools with schools in UK raise money for new classrooms and projects (e.g. water tanks) Guides and other employees from local area Conservation activities e.g. looking after orphaned wildlife; relocating giraffes etc.