Kenya relies heavily on tourism as one of its top three foreign exchange earners, but the unseen impact of the industry is broader than this may suggest. Tourism demonstrates trickle down economics – the World Tourist Organisation estimates that each bed filled provides work for one employee, who in turn sustains six others in the local economy. Many of these workers will be heads of families.
When the UK and US imposed travel advisories on Kenya in 2002 following the Paradise hotel bombing, the effect on this developing country was devastating. Crime rates rose, children were pulled out of education and malaria became more prevalent.
This feaure takes a look at the broad impact of tourism on an country and its economy. It also looks at the industry's importance worldwide, fostering an understanding of the unseen impact tourists have when travelling abroad.
Interviews include local tourism and business leaders, the Tourism Minister, people on the front line (taxi drivers, maintenance workers etc) and, of course, tourists themselves.
Kenya's Tourist Revival