Understanding Travel and Tourism - Essay Example

Introduction: Tourism involves movement of people within the country or outside the country for the purposes of site seeing and leisure. It is one of the economic activities which contribute to socio-economic development of a country at both the national and local level. Tourism in Kenya benefits the local community by providing employment and business opportunities, but also benefits foreign investors. Tourists are mainly attracted by diverse and unique wildlife attractions, pleasant weather and unique culture. A political map for Kenya Kenya is a country which lies on the East coast of Africa neighboring, and covers 586,000 km2. Kenya has an estimated population of 38.6 million, according to 2009 census. It has 42 tribes, majority are Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin and Luo. Kiswahili and English (official) are the main languages spoken. Agriculture is the main source of economy. The country has established processing industries, and aims at joining industrialized status by 2030. Tourism is the second largest contributor to the country’s economy after agriculture. The instability in Kenya politics has been one of the issues of concern to tourists. In 2007, a national election resulted in a post election violence in which people were killed and others were displaced, which scared away tourists. The recent Al-shabaab attacks and threats have also been an issue in the Kenyan tourism industry, though the government has gone to a great length to curb the situation (Gillies, 2011). Two major features of natural environment in Kenya which may be interesting to tourists. There are various attractive features in Kenya which is mainly based on natural attractions such as wildlife in a natural habitat and beaches. Wildlife - About 10% size of the country is set aside to conserve biodiversity and wild life. Game viewing is one of the major tourists’ activities. They are mainly interested in seeing what is normally called ‘the big five’ including the Lion, Elephant, leopard, rhino and buffalo, but there are other lesser and exclusive Africa savanna’s animals. They include, but not limited to antelopes, reptiles, giraffes, gazelles, insects and birds living in their natural habitat like grasslands, forests, seas, rivers and lakes etc. Wildebeest also forms one of the wonders of the world; mainly due to their number and migration patterns. These animals are kept in places which have been set aside by the government mainly to conservation and protection of wild life. These are game parks where there are no settlement and hunting, and game reserves where there is limited hunting (Roe, Dalal-Clayton, & Leader-Williams, 1996). Beaches - The beaches are mainly found in the coastal region near Indian Ocean and near the second largest city in Kenya called Mombasa. There are different beaches to choose from and can used them for swimming, relaxing, carousing, water sports or other adventures. The country has warm tropical climate and is known for hosting migrating whale sharks especially near Diana beach (Bowden, 2007). The kind of society that tourists would find in Kenya There are 42 ethnic groups in Kenya who live harmoniously with different cultural practices. This offers tourists a wide variety of unique experiences ranging from pastoral life, dances, polygamous families, celebrations, festivities and bull fighting. The country has rich cultural life, offering visitors fascinating scenes. English and Kiswahili are the main spoken languages. Maasai in Kenya is one the popular ethnic group in Africa. They live in fairly semiarid areas and have been described as semi-nomadic pastoralists. In spite of the modern civilization and education, they have preserved their traditional culture and they are popular with their unique culture and dressing code. They also live along the tourists’ attraction areas like game reserves. The safari tours in Kenya enable the visiting tourists enjoy the wildlife, as well as to explore the rich cultural heritage like the Maasai society through attending their cultural shows and visiting their homes (Bachmann, 1987; Karuggaah and Kabasi 1993). Two major heritage resources of Kenya and how the resources help tourists to understand the history of the destination. Fort Jesus in Mombasa - This is one of the most amazing historical sites which have been preserved since 16th century. It occupies 2.36 hectares and was designed and built by Giovanni Cairati Battista with the aim of protecting Mombasa port from foreign invaders. Mount Kenya forest - Mt. Kenya is an extinct volcanic mountain and is the second highest mountain in Africa, with the height of 5,199 metres. It has a magnificent landscape with remnant glaciers and secondary peaks. The site is surrounded by the forest and has been preserved for tourism (Bachmann, 1987; Karuggaah and Kabasi 1993). How Kenya became a tourist destination Tourism in Kenya began way back before independence, in 1930s. The visitors initially came for big game hunting, but others came to find solitude. The journey was called Safaris. Kenya is now known for its outstanding natural setting and its magnificent wildlife. It is located in the east coast of Africa, and its climatic and geographic conditions favour some of the world’s rare animals such as black Rhino and African elephant. Visitors are attracted by the amazing beaches and various cultural heritage including cultural communities like Samburu and Maasai (Bachmann, 1987; Karuggaah and Kabasi, 1993). How the following factors influence tourists to visit the destination you have chosen. a). motivation, b). ‘Push’ factors c). ‘pull’ factors Tourist motivation is responsible for the tourists to decide the travel to specific destination. If the tourists’ motives and intrinsic needs are actualized they will go back very often. Motivation is also responsible for marketing of specific destination. For example some tourists who have once visited a place may bring back more friends in the next round. Tourists’ motivations are caused by push and pull factors. Push factors are internal forces or motives which causes people to seek activities which reduces their needs, and may include excitement and adventure, familiar environment, and prestige. Pull factors are generated from the destination. The pull factors include sunshine, unique culture and cultural activities, natural environment, entertainment. In the Kenyan case, tourists are attracted by Kenya’s wildlife heritage. Most of them visit national parks and game reserves, uniqueness of mountains and other natural features. The western perceived Kenya as the remaining wilderness Eden. The visitors come to Kenya not only to watch wild safaris, but also to see an exotic African culture represented by Maasai people. The African culture as presented to international tourists is that of Maasai people, together with their dance, physical adornments and other traditional artifacts. The scenes of Maasai dressed in traditional regalia together with the big five are seen as the most ideal African attractions. The Maasai warrior are depicted as carrying traditional clubs and long spears walking tall in the middle the dangerous Africa wildlife (Hall and Tucker, 2004, p. 145). Three examples of tourism merchandise (excluding postcards) that tourists can buy in Kenya to remind them, when they return home, of their visit to Kenya. Wooden Carvings - These are carvings of wild animals like giraffes, lion and elephant or for traditional Maasai warrior. Kiondos and jewels - Kiondos are strong and durable baskets which are woven sisal mainly by women, but there are also other products like Maasai beads and sandals which are decorated with beads. Textiles - There is a wide variety of textiles like Kangas which are traditional colourful cotton fabric, Kitenges which is similar to Kangas but with lighter fabric, Kikoys which is made of cotton with stripes and are worn by men in the coastal region and Shukas usually worn by Maasai. The impacts tourism has had on the lives of the Kenyan society Tourism contributed mainly to the socio-economic development of Kenya at the national and local level. It contributes to the sustainability of social and cultural resources, environment and socio-economic development, and also brings together issues of intergenerational equity, environmental protection, economic growth and social justice. Tourism has enhanced the socio-economic development, and benefits the local community by providing employment like tour guards, hotels attendants, managers and business opportunities. However, tourism has neither contributed to socio-economic empowerment nor reduced poverty for the local people as expected, mainly because the local people are not consulted in decision making or are not involved in major tourism related business (Akama, 1999). The accommodation types available for tourists who visit Kenya Kenya offers visitors a wide variety of accommodation facilities ranging from five star luxuries hostels to youth hostels, from pitching one own tent in the wild to relaxing in beach villas. The choice depends on personal preference and the budget. Hotels – There are great variety hotel accommodations which suit all taste and budgets, including five star hotels. Cheap lodgings are found in almost every town in Kenya. Youth hostels can be found in some places. Smalls hotels and private campsites depending on the budget rates are available in tourist areas including Nairobi and Mombasa. Lodges – lodges refers to medium or large size hotels located in the game reserves where the tourists can take safaris from. It normally called safari lodges. They are designed so that they blend into the natural local environment, with traditional decoration and art. Most of them have excellent views, serves meals have bars. Tent camps – Tent camps provide the tourists with tents, complete with furniture and beds. The tents also have bathroom, showers and flush toilets. Some camps are permanent, while others mobile. They are found in many parts of national parks and game reserves. Homestays - In some areas, homestays with Kenyan families can be organized. This allows visitors to spend time with the people in their homes and discover the typical way of life (World travel guide, 2004). The kinds of transport tourists would use in order to visit Kenya. This includes the transport they use to come to Kenya and also the transport they use while they are in Kenya. The most convenient means to travel to Kenya is by taking a plane to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or JKIA, in the capital city of Kenya - Nairobi. The Kenya Airways or KQ in short, is the most common airlines with many daily schedules connected to JKIA. Others are emirates, Ethiopia airlines etc. There are other airports in Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret, Malindi and Lamu. Within the country, there is a range of options for transport and it includes the train, road and boat. The train- The trains pass through Kenya – Uganda railway which starts from Mombasa at the coast through Nairobi and Kisumu to Kambala in Uganda, thus connecting these major cities. However, the train is too slow. By bus- There is a network of long distance buses lines operating daily between major towns. They travel at speed limit of 80km/h and the highway may be bumpy. They are more reliable and safe especially during the day. Some of the buses include Easy coach, crown buses and others. Matatus are minibuses which are typically for 14 or 33 passengers travel medium distances. By car – All the towns are connected with roads. The roads may be poor. Rental cars can be hired but they are somehow expensive but reliable cars. They are mainly found in Nairobi or Mombasa. By boat – These are limited Lake Victoria like between Kisumu in Kenya and Mwanza in Tanzania, and also in coastal areas (World travel guide, 2004). The kinds of gastronomic experiences available for tourists who choose the Kenya destination There a variety of meals available for visitors in Kenya to choose from. All the tribes have there different native food, but maize and cereals are almost universal. There is sorghum and millet eaten with vegetables or meat. A common meal consists of ugali together with meat or vegetables like sukuma wiki. Beef which is obtained from cow is the popular type of meat in Kenya. It has low fat content compared to other types of meat. The government allows only two types of game meat which include ostrich and crocodile meat. Ostrich meat has low fat content compare to other types of white meat like turkey and chicken. There are plenty of products that fit the vegetarian diet including fruits, vegetables and grains (Firestone, 2009). The purpose of promotion of a Kenya as a tourist destination and two examples of the way Kenya is promoted. Promotion of Kenya as destination, would contribute to the sustainability of social and cultural resources, environment and socio-economic development, and also brings together issues of intergenerational equity, environmental protection, economic growth and social justice. Tourism would also benefit the local community by providing employment like tour guards, hotels attendants, managers and business opportunities. Kenya is rich of natural resources and it is the best choice for tourists’ satisfaction. Tourism can be promoted in the following ways: Advertisement on attractive sceneries in Kenya can be made through the newspapers, magazines, posters and many others. Improve transport services through the purchase of tour vehicles and building better roads would also attract tourist as there will be ease of travelling (Akama, 1999). A postcard of the Kenya and how it interprets the Kenya A postcard of Kenya It shows the system that fits 19th century before civilization, where the Maasai were primitive and unaffected by civilisation. The women are adorned with traditional regalia like beads. The warrior looks brave, athletic and tall who could, in the past, kill lions and raid for cattle with a spear, consume raw foods like blood and milk, and instil respect in others (Igoe, 2004). Components for an original brochure design to promote and interpret the Kenya as a destination. The geographical location of Kenya including the map Photos of wildlife including lions, elephants and other attractive features Photos of indigenous people like Maasai morans adorned with their traditional attire including shukas, beards spears etc. Warm tropical climate with photos of people enjoying activities like sunbathing on the beach, shopping and riding on amusements. Brief history of some historical sites like Fort Jesus in Mombasa Entertainment, art and culture which include theaters like Bomas, museums and places to visit. Food which are common in the area such as ostrich meat and others Conclusion for the project Tourists are mainly attracted by diverse and unique wildlife attractions, pleasant weather and unique culture in Kenya. One of the hindrances to the development of tourism is infrastructure, cleanliness and high number of people living in poverty, tourism has not benefited the local people. However, the government has recognized that tourism is vital in socioeconomic development and has been promoting grand tourism and hospitality investment. This has led to a large number of tourists in the coastal region and other parts of the country with more attractions. References Akama, JS 1999, ‘The Evolution of Tourism in Kenya’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 7, no. 1, pp.6-25. Bachmann, P. (1987). Tourism in Kenya: A basic need for whom?. Berne: P. Lang. Bowden, R. (2007). Kenya. London, Evans. Firestone, M. (2009). Kenya. Footscray, Vic: Lonely Planet. Gillies, D., & North-South Institute (Ottawa, Ont.). (2011). Elections in dangerous places: Democracy and the paradoxes of peacebuilding. Montréal: McGill-Queen's University Press. Hall C. Michael, Tucker Hazel, Tourism and Postcolonialism: Contested Discourses, Identities and Representations, Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility, Routledge, 2004. P. 145 Hickman G.M., WHG. Dickens with E woods (1973), The lands and peoples of East Africa, Longman group ltd. Igoe, J. (2004). Conservation and globalization: A study of National Parks and indigenous communities from East Africa to South Dakota. Belmont, CA [u.a.: Thomson Learning. Karuggaah. R. and Kabasi .J. (1993), certificate Geography form 2 (pg100-121). World travel guide. (2004). London: Highbury Business. Young and Lawry (1985): A course in world Geography, physical Regional and Human Geography of East-Africa. Read More

The kind of society that tourists would find in Kenya There are 42 ethnic groups in Kenya who live harmoniously with different cultural practices. This offers tourists a wide variety of unique experiences ranging from pastoral life, dances, polygamous families, celebrations, festivities and bull fighting. The country has rich cultural life, offering visitors fascinating scenes. English and Kiswahili are the main spoken languages. Maasai in Kenya is one the popular ethnic group in Africa. They live in fairly semiarid areas and have been described as semi-nomadic pastoralists.

In spite of the modern civilization and education, they have preserved their traditional culture and they are popular with their unique culture and dressing code. They also live along the tourists’ attraction areas like game reserves. The safari tours in Kenya enable the visiting tourists enjoy the wildlife, as well as to explore the rich cultural heritage like the Maasai society through attending their cultural shows and visiting their homes (Bachmann, 1987; Karuggaah and Kabasi 1993). Two major heritage resources of Kenya and how the resources help tourists to understand the history of the destination.

Fort Jesus in Mombasa - This is one of the most amazing historical sites which have been preserved since 16th century. It occupies 2.36 hectares and was designed and built by Giovanni Cairati Battista with the aim of protecting Mombasa port from foreign invaders. Mount Kenya forest - Mt. Kenya is an extinct volcanic mountain and is the second highest mountain in Africa, with the height of 5,199 metres. It has a magnificent landscape with remnant glaciers and secondary peaks. The site is surrounded by the forest and has been preserved for tourism (Bachmann, 1987; Karuggaah and Kabasi 1993).

How Kenya became a tourist destination Tourism in Kenya began way back before independence, in 1930s. The visitors initially came for big game hunting, but others came to find solitude. The journey was called Safaris. Kenya is now known for its outstanding natural setting and its magnificent wildlife. It is located in the east coast of Africa, and its climatic and geographic conditions favour some of the world’s rare animals such as black Rhino and African elephant. Visitors are attracted by the amazing beaches and various cultural heritage including cultural communities like Samburu and Maasai (Bachmann, 1987; Karuggaah and Kabasi, 1993).

How the following factors influence tourists to visit the destination you have chosen. a). motivation, b). ‘Push’ factors c). ‘pull’ factors Tourist motivation is responsible for the tourists to decide the travel to specific destination. If the tourists’ motives and intrinsic needs are actualized they will go back very often. Motivation is also responsible for marketing of specific destination. For example some tourists who have once visited a place may bring back more friends in the next round.

Tourists’ motivations are caused by push and pull factors. Push factors are internal forces or motives which causes people to seek activities which reduces their needs, and may include excitement and adventure, familiar environment, and prestige. Pull factors are generated from the destination. The pull factors include sunshine, unique culture and cultural activities, natural environment, entertainment. In the Kenyan case, tourists are attracted by Kenya’s wildlife heritage. Most of them visit national parks and game reserves, uniqueness of mountains and other natural features.

The western perceived Kenya as the remaining wilderness Eden. The visitors come to Kenya not only to watch wild safaris, but also to see an exotic African culture represented by Maasai people. The African culture as presented to international tourists is that of Maasai people, together with their dance, physical adornments and other traditional artifacts. The scenes of Maasai dressed in traditional regalia together with the big five are seen as the most ideal African attractions.

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