Global Journal of Business Management

Global Journal of Business Management ISSN 6731-4538 Vol. 2 (11), pp. 001-012, November, 2008. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

The impact of tourism on the consumption environment: Coping and potential praxis in Malindi, Kenya

L. Wakiuru Wamwara-Mbugua¹* and T. Bettina Cornwell²

¹Assistant Professor of Marketing, Wright State University, Raj Soin College of Business and Economics, Department of Marketing, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy. Dayton, OH 45435.

²Professor of Sports Management, University of Michigan, Division of Kinesiology, 3120 Observatory Lodge, 1402 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2013, USA

Accepted 29 May 2008

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of tourism on the consumption environment of residents of Malindi, Kenya. Since the positive impacts of tourism are fairly well known, our study focuses on socio-cultural and environmental impacts. Our research shows that there have been some changes to the structure of what is available for residents to consume in Malindi. Second, there is duality of existence on the part of tourists as well as locals. Third, there has been a major change in moral values as well as change in some cultural values. Drawing upon the paradisal discourse as conceptualized by Costa in her 1998 study of Hawaii, we analyze the changes to the consumption environment of the residents. Finally, we present the coping strategies being employed by the residents and the potential emancipatory actions possible.

Key words: Tourism impact, consumption environment, Kenya.