Planning for Tourism in the Lamu Archipelago

Abstract

One major industry that could thrive in the Lamu archipelago is the tourist industry. Lamu's attraction for tourism includes socio-historical aspects, marine as well as wildlife resources. As long as Lamu remains the unique place it is now, there would seem to be no limit to the level of tourism it would be possible to achieve. Just what level and how long, if allowed unchecked, the influx of tourists would take to 'destroy' the things they come to see is unknown, but it must not be allowed to happen. If the encouragement of the tourist industry requi~es the conservation of the existing fabric then this development as such. This study was undertaken by using questionnaires, personal interviews, observations as well as through published materials. The purpos~ was to find out the present level and trend of tourism in Lamu, the opinion of the local people as well as the opinions of the tourists themselves on tourism development in Lamu archipelago. The level and standard of facilities and services were also analysed. From the study it was ,observed that there are various problems which exist and hinder the development of tourism and the general economy in Lamu. The prominent ones being poor communication, scarcity of safe drinking water and unint.eg-rated pattern of the t.ourist industry in general in the Lamuregion.The major findings were that tourism in the Lamu archipelago is basically concentrated on Lamu town and hence as a result brought about a number Bf negative impacts. At present the vi.si.t.osr to Lamu arrive mainly in the months of April, August and December, are mainly of low and medium spending type. They come mainly by road, are predominantly of European o.ri qLn+and are usually below 44 years old. Lamu attracts a selective tourist market, basically those interested in 'architecture and natural history' and' culture and folklore'. Majority of the visitors gained a favourable impression of Lamu and many expressed the wish to return. All respondents were in favour of the industry spread- ing to other islands and with the recent gazettment of the the National Reserve' and the 'Kiunga Marine National Reserve', a possibility of integrating the tourist visits with further enhanced.