Eco-Lodges, a Future for Sustainable Tourism in Kenya

Abstract

Sustainable tourism has been defined as the form of tourism which meets the needs of tourists, the tourism industry and host communities today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. As the scale of tourism grows through eco-lodge development, the resource use threatens to become unsustainable. With a degraded physical environment, the destination is in danger of losing its original attraction, increasing the levels of cheaper mass tourism and forcing more “nature-based” tourism to move on to new destinations, which are likely to be even more inaccessible and fragile. This study thus, sought to examine eco- lodge development, management principles and sustainable practices thereof in eco-lodges and the role of government in the development of eco-lodges for sustainable tourism. The study was conducted in selected eco- lodges in the Maasai Mara in Kenya. The respondents were 52, comprising of Managers of the selected eco- lodges, employees and selected key informants. Most of the data was collected by way of Questionnaires, personally administered to ensure clarification is offered where necessary. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics (percentages, frequencies and averages) and by data presentation on tables. The findings acknowledged that eco-lodges contribute to overall sustainable tourism development and conservation by raising awareness among local communities, stakeholder groups and government officials, and changing public attitudes toward conservation. Efforts to preserve and enhance the natural environment should therefore be a high priority for the industry and for governments. It noted that with a growing standing in the world economy the tourism industry has “a moral responsibility in making the transition to sustainable development. Establishing partnerships with local communities is being increasingly recognized as necessary for sustainable tourism. Responsible tourism is the job of everyone involved– governments, local authorities, the tourist industry and tourists themselves.