Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism

Economic

Tourism contributes 15% of the country's Gross National Product
It accounts for 21% of Foreign Exchange
11% of paid employment comes from tourism
Only 15% of the money earned through tourism goes to locals. The rest goes to big companies.

Social

The culture and customs of the native tribes (eg the Maasai) are preserved because of things like traditional dancing are often displayed for tourists.
Around 220,000 people employed by tourism
Tourism can hep to promote understanding of local history and culture
Local infrastructure and public services are improved
Some tribes people (eg the Maasai tribespeople) are forced off their land to create National Parks for tourists
Some Muslim people in Kenya are offended by the way female tourists dress.
Employment is usually only seasonal and poorly paid
Native tribes are forced to change their life style for tourists and are often exploited for their benefit
Nomadic tribes are forced to make permanent homes
People become over-reliant on tourism for support/income etc as it is a fragile industry
There can be conflict between tourists and locals

Environmental

There are 23 National Parks in Kenya, eg Nairobi National Park. Tourists have to pay entry fees to get in and so this money is used to maintain these National Parks which helps to protect the environment and wildlife
Safari vehicles destroy vegetation and cause soil erosion and disturb the wildlife.
Wild animals are affected eg cheetahs in the most heavily visited areas have changed their hunting behaviour to avoid the crowds
Cora reefs in the Malindi Marine National Park have been damaged by tourist boats anchoring
Pressure is put on natural resources

	Created by Grace Evans about 9 years ago

Note on Geography - Tourism - Mass Tourism - Kenya CASE STUDY, created by Grace Evans on 04/04/2015.