Ecotourism Principles, Responsible Travel, and Building a Sustainable Post-pandemic Destination Kenya

Ecotourism is regarded as travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas while adhering to principles of responsible and sustainable tourism that promote environmental conservation and community development. Kenya has come up with initiatives such as ecotourism certification to promote responsible travel practices. However, question marks continue to be raised concerning how effectively ecotourism principles and practices are observed in many destinations. This chapter examines how ecotourism principles are being infused into destination-level tourism practices in Kenya. A qualitative research methodology was used to review online documentation from relevant organizations and also analysis of key informant interviews from different industry players drawn from across the country. Key findings of the study include: greenwashing through certification of tourism facilities is a key challenge to responsible travel practices. Additionally, community benefits, environmental conservation, and protection of biodiversity are important considerations in assessing responsible travel practices. Finally, COVID-19 pandemic disruptions have impacted responsible travel in different destinations in different ways. This study recommends that destination-level actors should prioritize environmental conservation measures and community benefit initiatives as a way of fostering responsible travel in Kenya. It is also recommended that ecotourism certification schemes and award processes be improved to enhance transparency. Finally, it is also recommended that there should be tourism destination-level recovery strategies and measures against disruptions and crises like COVID-19 that affect destinations in Kenya and the world at large.