Volume: 15  Number: 6  Page: 735–748  doi:10.2167/jost543.0

Research article

Tourism and Socio-economic Development in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Mombasa Resort in Kenya

John S. Akama and Damiannah Kieti Department of Tourism Management, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya

This paper looks at issues surrounding sustainable tourism as a tool for local socio-economic development in Kenya, using the case study of Mombasa Resort Town. Illustrated by primary data from field interviews and surveys in Mombasa, backed by secondary data, it finds that due to the nature of the Kenyan tourism industry (external control and management of tourism establishments, limited local involvement and high leakage rates), the industry has not played an effective role in local socio-economic development. Ways forward are suggested.

Keywords: tourism in developing countries, sustainable tourism development, socio-economic development, Kenyan tourism, community tourism

Copyright © 2007 J.S. Akama & D. Kieti

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