1 Tourism in LEDCs Case Study: Kenya

2. Why has there been a growth in international tourism?

Cheaper long haul flights.
People in MEDCs have more money and leisure time.
Media coverage on TV, film and magazines.
Promotion of tourist sites by LEDC countries.
Changing tastes as people look for new and different holidays.
Improvements in technology and communication.
3. Why are so many LEDCs encouraging tourism?
Tourism in now the largest employer in the world and is growing by an average
of 9% a year.
It provides an alternative to cash crops (e.g. coffee, cocoa) and other exported
primary products that are slowly going down in price.
Promotes positive links with other countries that may lead to trade.
Most importantly it creates a huge amount of jobs.
4. Case Study: Tourism in Kenya
Kenya is on the east coast of Africa and was one of the first LEDCs to develop
mass tourism in the 1970s.
In 1997 over $450 million was earned from tourism.
Why do tourists go to Kenya?
Natural resources year round hot climate, sandy beaches, coral reefs and
wildlife reserves
Man-made resources well developed infrastructure and interesting diversity of
cultures such as Masai Mara
Most tourists mix a beach holiday in Mombassa with a short safari or game drive.
Nairobi Mombassa Tsavo National Park (game reserve) LEDC
5. Attractions & Activities For Tourists
ATTRACTIONS
Wildlife & game reserves EG; the Maasai Mara Elephants, Rhinos, Lions Coast
Eg: Mombassa
- White sand beaches and coral reefs
- Stunning scenery
- savannahs and plateaus Eg: The Rift Valley Mt Kenya
- Africas second highest peak Agreeable climate with temperatures over
20 degrees all year, lots of sunshine.
- Relatively good roads, good rail links, air transport.
- ACTIVITIES
- Motorised & walking safaris, Beach holidays, Balloon/air safaris, Water
sports, Walking/climbing, Cultural tours of local tribes, Fishing
7. Advantages of tourism in Kenya Provides a major source of income into
Kenyan economy 21% of foreign exchange earnings
Provides jobs - 11 percent of paid employment comes from tourism
Just under 1 million tourists from Germany, UK, USA provides a market for local
goods
Helps to protect wild animals & scenery and develops facilities e.g. Bamburi
Nature Trail near Mombasa.
Promotes understanding of culture
Money is used to provide local schools and healthcare
Tourism has helped improve other related industries and the infrastructure.
LEDC
8. Disadvantages of tourism in Kenya
Poorly paid, unreliable, seasonal employment in menial jobs ( tourist numbers
dropped by nearly 2/3rds between 199-1997)
Money goes to big companies not local people (only 15% reaches Kenya from
traditional tourism)
Environment polluted and natural environments spoiled boats dropping
anchors damages coral, people taking parts of coral reef, wildlife disturbed by
trucks, ground damaged & eroded
Conflicts between local tribes e.g. Masai Mara and Kenyan government through
exploitation of local culture.
Local tribal people have been forced to change lifestyle to accommodate tourists,
for example Masi people were driven off their land. Nomadic tribes forced of
their land Local people can be exploited Overcrowding of game parks &
accommodation. 90% tourists visit south & east. Wildlife disturbed - tourist
numbers, mini-buses, balloons. Tourists may offend locals e.g. scantily dressed in
Muslim areas. Pressure on resources like fresh water. LEDC
9. ECO-TOURISM - sustainable tourism in Kenya 1. Other activities
developed to take pressure off Safari areas - climbing, white water rafting, more
distant safaris, diving off coral coast, hotels built in west, measures to protect
coral reef. 2. Attempts made to preserve Masai way of life - improved settled
housing, controlled flow of visitors to traditional Masai village to watch dancing
& selling of crafts. 3. Bamburi Nature Trail near Mombasa - old cement quarry
reclaimed. No soil, plants or wildlife - trees planted, insects introduced -
transformed into tropical rainforest, wildlife & tourist facilities added. 100,000
visitors/year.
10. Case Study - Basecamp Masai Mara Set up in 1998 - The main camp
has 16 tents (consisting of 32 beds). The camp activities include; Day game
drives, nature walks, tree-planting Use of Maasai grammar to explain culture.
In guest rooms furniture is made of Maasai designs, to encourage visitors to
learn more about the Maasai culture Extensive use of local material, including
deadwood, and labour for construction. Buildings can be dismantled and taken
away safely no permanent damage. Use of a tree-top wildlife viewing post has
reduced the need for game drives Extensive use of solar energy and use of
energy saving LED bulbs. The solar water heaters and communication systems
are powered by solar energy. Have a solar cooker at the kitchen area, as a
demonstration to the local community on efficient technologies available
Garbage is sorted & composted. Has clean and well-fenced garbage disposal and
composting areas. Waste (grey) water is collected and re-used to water plants in
the compound Use of dry toilets uses less water. Have planted an estimated
25,000 trees since 2000, as part of restoring vegetation along the river near
Basecamp. Done jointly with the local community. A percentage of bed night goes
to an education fund that mainly supports girl-child education. Of the 43 staff,
95% are local, including 10 women promotes gender equality.