Mmbs Rsrt in Kny - Features of Natural Environment, History of Tourism and Heritage Resources - Speech or Presentation Example

RЕSЕАRСH ОF MОMBАSА RЕSОRT IN KЕNYА Professor (Tutor) The Name of the School (University) The City and State Date RЕSЕАRСH ОF MОMBАSА RЕSОRT IN KЕNYА Introduction Mombasa is the foremost tourist destination in East Africa, with the largest occurrence of tourism and hospitality infrastructure and facilities (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 736). It is the second largest town in Kenya, which is developed on an Island made up solid coral leaf on the Indian Ocean shores. Mombasa is renowned as one of the main gateways to Africa during the slave trade and coming of the European Missionaries. As one of the oldest cities in Africa and Kenya as well as the main port for East Africa, Mombasa offers numerous activities, including historical, wildlife, vacation, and natural experiences, making it an ideal tourist destination (Afrileo 2014). Mombasa has enjoyed increased tourism growth over numerous years and has been identified as a key tourist destination in Kenya and Africa. The purpose of this project is to offer an analysis of Mombasa as a tourism destination by exploring the local Mombasa culture, heritage, tourism history, as well as tourism features. Moreover, the project will evaluate the impacts of tourism while identifying the motivations that pull tourists. It will also address the main factors of how divisions of the tourism industry supply the needs of tourists. Map and Illustrations Figure 1 Political Map of Kenya (Resource: United Nations) Figure 2 Map of Mombasa Island (Embassy of Kenya Brussels: http://www.kenyabrussels.com/index.php?menu=2&leftmenu=46&page=63) Features of the Natural Environment Mombasa is an island standing on solid coral leaf between the creeks of Makupa and Port Reitz (Afrileo 2014). The main feature of the natural environment is the coral reef, which protects the town from the Indian Ocean’s force, but is still deep enough to become a major harbour. It is composed on numerous rivers that feed the two creeks including river Tudor, Mwachi, and Tudor. Mombasa emergence is traced in slave trade, Arabic merchants, and the European missionaries (Afrileo 2014). The town developed from increased trade from foreign merchants, missionaries, and as a tourist destination for many voyagers. Mombasa terrain boasts of about 18m above sea level at the Nyerere Avenue and the lowest being the Indian Ocean. Its coast is blocked or protected by corals reefs of Leven and Andromache with an opening fronting the Mtwapa Creek (Afrileo 2014). Mombasa’s coast line comprises of white sandy beaches that stretch about 60m wide formed by fragments from shells and corals (Afrileo 2014). Nonetheless, the island does not have any beaches and is bordered by a coral cliff, but beaches can be accessed nearby the island. Mombasa is very close to the equator, allowing for favourable sun filled days all year round. Rainfall is experienced all through the year especially between April and May. Temperatures can reach up to over 32 degrees (Afrileo 2014). At only 4 degrees south of the Equator, Mombasa residents are used to sunny and warm temperature characterized by their culture of wearing shorts, vests, while visiting the beach, and houses being painted white to reduce heat (Afrileo 2014). The Indian Ocean has a rich eco-diversity made up different types of fish, octopus, star fish, sea urchins, and shells. Moreover, the wildlife around Mombasa is composed of numerous birds, snakes, insects, and larger wildlife animals such as hippos and gazelles (Afrileo 2014). The main plants found in Mombasa are the coconut tree grown by the predominant historical occupants of the town, the Mijikenda. The Mijikenda use coconut to make numerous local cuisines as well as a variety of fruits and vegetables such as the cassava (Afrileo 2014). Features of Mombasa Society Mombasa society is a made up of a diverse cultural mixture (Afrileo 2014). However, the main society is made up of the Mijikenda community, who are made up of numerous tribes who speak different languages. These include the Chonyi, Digo, Ribe, Giriama, Duruma, Rabai, Kauma, Kamabe, and Jibana with the Digo and Giriama tribes forming the largest population in Mombasa (Afrileo 2014). The Mijikenda are still preservative of their culture and still reside and perform religious rituals in forests known as the Kaya (Afrileo 2014). These forests are among Kenya’s heritage monuments. The Mijikenda is famous for their farming especially in terms of coconut. Their houses are still made up of thatched huts and mud houses despite the availability of alternative building materials. As the main and only port in Kenya, Mombasa has attracted numerous people from different backgrounds over the years. Mombasa was originally inhabited by the local communities, who were joined by Arab traders (Afrileo 2014). The Portuguese later landed in the island followed by Oman Arabs and later the European colonizers. Mombasa was one of the main slave trade ports or points in Africa hence the rich diversity of people. The people of Mombasa include a significant number of Swahili-speaking people who originated from Zanzibar and Tanzania (Afrileo 2014). Other main residents of society are the Asian, Muslims, and a mixture of the 47 tribes in Kenya. Numerous Italians and Britons also live in the same society. Most of these foreigners are involved in the hotel business as well as developing private residents for tourists. Local people practice small scale businesses such as sub-subsistence farming, vending, and trading (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 745). The larger population of local residents is employed in the tourism and hospitality industry. A significant part of the population is also employed in the port and refinery industries in Mombasa that attracts diverse people from captains and ship crews from all over the world. Being a diverse cultural island, Mombasa has two main religions that include Islam and Christianity (Afrileo 2014). Most local communities are Christians, but Arabs, Muslims, and Swahili-speaking people follow the Islam religion. Christianity was first introduced in the eighteen eighties with the coming of European missionaries. Apart from religion, a common feature of society is the cultural folk songs and the famous Zanzibar Swahili music known as taarab (Afrileo 2014). The diversity of the magnificent Mombasa provides a rich experience that tourists can enjoy through the various local tourist groups that allow for tourists to experience and learn about diverse cultures. Tourism companies and the Kenya government also offer tours and the cultural history of Mombasa society. Mombasa’s Heritage Resources Heritage is an element that can be passed down from one generation to the other. It also encompasses the traditions, customs, intangible cultural features, and languages. One of the main heritage resources of Mombasa is Fort Jesus (Insight Guides 2014). Fort Jesus was developed by the Portuguese in 1593 following the visit of the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 (Afrileo 2014). The fort was used as a stronghold for the Portuguese in their trade routes to India. However, the Portuguese fought with Arab traders from Oman between 1600 and 1832, where the Oman Arabs became victorious and occupied the Fort (Afrileo 2014). They would later be conquered by the British, and later in the 1900s, the Oman protectorate handed over Fort Jesus to the Kenyan government. The fort was developed into a museum that documents the history of the town and its culture including the British colonization of East Africa. The second major heritage resource of Mombasa is the rich cultural diversity. People enjoy numerous art and crafts from local communities, indigenous goods from the Middle East, unique and diverse sea food cuisines, as well as cultural music, festivals, and dances (Insight Guides 2014). The Mombasa society is made up of numerous cultures including Kenyan tribes, Arabs, Swahili-speaking people, and foreigners. One of the main languages spoken in Mombasa is Swahili, which is suggested to have originated from the inter-cultural marriage of local tribes and Arabs. This allows tourists to engage with the culture of the island in a unique way, which is illustrated and witnessed in everyday life of Mombasa. The History of Tourism in Mombasa The history of tourism in Mombasa can be traced during the 1940s following the development of the Ugandan railway that allowed people and goods to move easily (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 744). However, tourism in Mombasa had also started before these times attracting Arab ships and traders who sold numerous merchandise to European tourists. The firsst hotel to be developed in Mombasa is not well documented, but it is believed that even the Arabs had already developed hotels. Formal tourist’s hotels would later emerge in the 1930s mostly developed by the Europeans (Séraphin, et al. 2013, p. 83). After, the Kenyan independence in 1963, Mombasa received increased attention from investors both from Kenya and foreigners. This helped promote tourism especially with the discovery of large wildlife experiences near Mombasa. In the 2000s, Mombasa was already a developed tourism destination boasting of over 10 five, four, and three-star hotels (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 743). Currently, Mombasa is a world class tourist destination offering some of the best hotels, services, foods, and exquisite tourism activities in the world and East Africa. a) Motivations One of the main motivations of Mombasa as a tourist destination is the great weather (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 745). Being very near to the Equator, it offers an eccentric tropical and equatorial climate that is revitalizing. Tourists from cooler areas around the world find Mombasa to be a great destination. Moreover, the cultural heritage and deep historical significance has attracted a diverse cultural composition of the society (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 745). Moreover, the people of Mombasa offer a welcoming and friendly gesture especially for tourists. The luxurious hotels and setting of sandy beaches provides a cool and quite vacation for rich tourists (Séraphin, et al. 2013, p. 88). . b) Push Factors of Mombasa According to Weaver and Lawton (2006, p. 470), push factors are the social, economic, demographic, political, and technological elements that encourage a demand for tourism participation by pushing customers away from their usual places of dwelling. Mombasa attracted Arabs, Portuguese, Italian, and the British based on its rich trade history and cultural diversity (Afrileo 2014). It is also the most attractive coastal destination in the Indian Ocean specifically in the African continent. c) Pull Factors for Mombasa According to Weaver & Lawton (2002, p. 468) pull factors are the stimulants that enable a tourism product to pull customers towards a specific destination. Such forces consist of accessibility, proximity, attractions, affordability, and image. Mombasa was able to attract tourists from its suitability of a port for Arab traders and travellers. Additionally, it has a well-developed tourism infrastructure from bridges, ferries, and roads. The tourism is also well-developed from middle-range hotels to luxurious hotels and a whole bundle of things to do such as snake and bird watching, historical visits, swimming, and enjoying unique sea food (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 745). Tourism Merchandise Mombasa’s cultural diversity allows for merchandise to be purchased by tourists as a remembrance. The main currency of Kenya is Kenyan Shilling that can be acquired by changing other currencies in banks or bureau de change establishments. Credit cards can also be used. The main merchandise for buying in Mombasa is the Swahili sandals as they help tourists move easily and comfortable through the warm weather. Moreover, the sandals are a cultural heritage passed down from generation of the Swahili people. Again, tourists can purchase African fabrics available in markets and curio shops. Such fabrics include the famous Kenyan “lesos” or “kikois”, which is the country’s fashion icon (Insight Guides 2014). They are colourful fabrics worn from traditional to high-end fashion lovers. They can be typically wrapped around the body or modified to produce an outfit as well as laid down for picnics. Other merchandise includes art works, sea shells, traditional necklaces, beads, and bangles, as well as carvings (Insight Guides 2014). Impact of Tourism in Mombasa According to Akama and Kieti (2002, p. 742) tourism in Mombasa has led to job creation as well as business opportunities (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 743). Moreover, tourism has enabled the people of Mombasa to preserve their culture as well as nature (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 743). Nonetheless, the critical evaluation of these effects has illustrated numerous negative impacts. Local people and investors lack the opportunity and economic support to set up competitive businesses in Mombasa (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 743). The Kenyan government has significantly developed the tourism industry in Mombasa that is mainly through multinational and international investments (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 744). Moreover, even local businesses lack access to tourists who stay in high end hotels and resorts. Again according to Akama and Kieti (2002, p. 741) has contributed to increased drug trafficking from scrupulous tourists who traffic drugs. Moreover, it is also increased prostitution, where local girls and women seek lucrative fees for sex from tourists (Séraphin, et al. 2013, p. 88). Due to the increased occurrence and diversity of cultures from tourists and local people, tourism has undermined social values. Furthermore, tourism has also increased crime due to the high number of youths who lack jobs and come from poor families. Other non-major effects of tourism include environmental pollution, overcrowded streets, low standard of living, and natural environment pollution Akama and Kieti (2002, p. 742). Kinds of Accommodation in Mombasa Accommodations are a key attraction or preference for tourists since they love to enjoy their stay in any tourist destination. Mombasa has a wide variety of accommodation facilities from high-end hotels, mid-range hotels, to small-scale establishments. Tourists with a low budget can stay at the Mombasa Backpackers where there are dorms, camping, singles, and double rooms at cheap prices (Afrileo 2014). The facility is also located near the beach and comes with a phone and swimming pool. The Bechera guest House also offers cheap accommodation at the main central business district of Mombasa (Insight Guides 2014). These are descent and clean accommodation facilities that can offer a well-deserved relaxation for tourists. The other lower-end accommodation is Backpackers Nirvana also located in the town, which features African traditional décor with on-site staff for all requirements (Insight Guides 2014). Mid-range accommodation involves private areas and guest houses such as the Sun N Sun Beach Resort that has about 298 rooms (Insight Guides 2014). High-end luxury hotels can also be accessed for accommodation from three to five star hotels such as the Serena Beach Hotel that boasts of unique, elegant, and enticing décor, food, and staff (Afrileo 2014). Most of the luxury hotels are located near the beach offering an eccentric night of accommodation. Transport in Mombasa The main transport for accessing Mombasa is through the Indian Ocean using private boats at the English Point Marina, Cruise Ships at the port, and other ships or vessels. Tourists can also access Mombasa through the Moi International Airport or the Malindi and Lamu airport that are located a drive away from Mombasa (Afrileo 2014). Tourists can move around the town using a taxi, buses, or popular three-wheeled bikes known as “tuk tuk”. A railway is also available for accessing the interior part of Kenya’s main land. Gastronomic Experiences in Mombasa Mombasa is known for the wide variety of cuisine since it was once a major trading centre for species and exotic foods such as sea foods. The main cuisines a tourist can find in Mombasa come from numerous cultures including Indian, Swahili, Italian, Korean, Chinese, and Korean (Insight Guides 2014). There are an abundance of restaurants and food joints to enjoy these cuisines. The main traditional Swahili cuisine is the biryani and pilau, which are rice foods made from an array of spices and ingredients (Afrileo 2014). Sea foods include octopus, oysters, tuna fish, lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. The cuisines are prepared as the customer waits in most establishments especially near the beaches and view of the Indian Ocean offering a superb culinary experience. Indian foods include spiced salads and hot sauces. Local foods are also to die for such as the fried cassava or potatoes dipped in dough to make Bhajia. Local traders have side walk and road-side food kiosks that serve fresh and tasty foods (Insight Guides 2014). Other local foods can also be accessed at restraints making it a huge culinary experience for most tourists. Mombasa has the ability to serve some of the main world cuisines including America, European, and Asian cuisines meeting the needs of all consumers. Drinks are also in plenty including assorted wines from around the world as well as local drinks from coconut fruits. Promotion for Mombasa The need for promotion is aimed at making a destination known to tourist who may be thrilled and attracted with what it has to offer. Mombasa uses numerous methods of promoting the destination that includes brochures, television, and the internet. Mombasa tourist agencies use compelling images of Mombasa especially the sandy beaches to promote Mombasa as n attractive destination (Akama and Kieti 2002, p. 746). Post Card of Mombasa Analysis Figure 3 Mombasa Post Card (Source: www.delcampe.net) The post card above interprets Mombasa as a romantic, culturally rich, and of great culinary experience. A tourist couple is illustrated walking along the beach with beach wear interpreting Mombasa as a romantic destination. Moreover, the traditional boat at the shore of the Indian Ocean illustrates Mombasa as a culturally rich destination. Lastly, the woman holding a basket of freshly cut fruits illustrates the great and enticing culinary experience of Mombasa. Brochure for Mombasa Figure 4 Cultural Diversity (www.mykenya.co.uk) The photo above can be used to illustrate the rich cultural diversity of Mombasa from its people, food, building, and local cuisines. Figure 5 Mombasa Beach (Source: www.explorerkenya.com) The above photo may be used to illustrate the scenic and magnificent sandy beaches of Mombasa. Moreover, it illustrates rich tropical weather from the blue skies to the tropical palm and coconut trees. Figure 6 Fort Jesus Mombasa (Source: www.kenyahotelsreviews.com) The photo illustrates one of the main attractions and heritage of Mombasa, Fort Jesus. Built in 1896, the Fort is a major tourist attraction and a national heritage site. Figure 6 Mombasa Luxury & Cuisine (Source: preferredhotelgroup.com) The picture above can be used to illustrate the luxurious tourist service and cuisines served near the beach. This is sure to attract high-end customers. Conclusion In conclusion, Mombasa is among the best tourist destinations in the world offering a favourable equatorial climate, diverse cultural heritage, and established tourism industry. Mombasa has a long and rich historical background that offers unique experiences such as the Fort Jesus. Moreover, the society is of a diverse culture that enables increased richness in the experience of the town. As one of the oldest cities in Africa and Kenya as well as the main port for East Africa, Mombasa offers numerous activities, including historical, wildlife, vacation, and natural experiences, making it an ideal tourist destination. Mombasa has enjoyed increased tourism growth over numerous years and has been identified as a key tourist destination in Kenya and Africa. References Afrileo, 2014, MombasaTravel Guide. [online] Mombasa.afrileo.com. Available at: http://mombasa.afrileo.com/guide.html [Accessed 25 Oct. 2014]. Akama, JS, Kieti, D 2007, ‘Tourism and socio-economic development in developing countries: a case study of Mombasa resort in Kenya’, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 735-748. Insight Guides, 2014, Mombasa travel guide. [online] Insightguides.com. Available at: http://www.insightguides.com/destinations/africa-middle-east/kenya/mombasa/overview [Accessed 25 Oct. 2014]. Kenya Embassy Brussels, 2014, Map of Mombasa Island, [online] Kenyabrussels.com. Available at: http://www.kenyabrussels.com/ckfinder/userfiles/images/about%20Kenya/tourist%20brochures/map%20-%20Mombasa.jpg [Accessed 25 Oct. 2014]. Séraphin, H, Butler, C, & Vanessa, G 2013, 'Entrepreneurship in the Tourism Sector: A Comparative Approach of Haiti, Coastal Kenya and Mauritius', Journal Of Hospitality & Tourism, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 72-92. Weaver, D & Lawton, L 2002, Tourism management, 2nd edn, John Wiley and Sons, Milton, Queensland. Brochure Website Resources www.explorerkenya.com www.kenyahotelsreviews.com www.mykenya.co.uk www.explorerkenya.com Read More