On the grand scale of things every tourism destination competes against others so a unique offering and well planned sustained conservation efforts really ought to be put together to prolong and maintain the long term viability of any tourism destination.
That aside, if development of the local economies is the focal point, then shouldn't all efforts be geared towards the achievement of this goal? I doubt that Kenya's and indeed East Africa's efforts to obtain more foreign beach and bush tourists will act as the much needed catalyst for the region's development efforts.
Instead of a beach and bush positioning, a business development (investment) approach should be followed; fine, promote beach and bush tourism if thats what will bring in the euros, dollars and yuan, but, highlight the business opportunities that exist in the region. I feel that tourists in E.A are not 'milked' enough. Their spend on carvings and other memorabilia are indeed commendable but we do not adequately tap their business prowess.
In promoting investment tourism, the notion of the destination and region as some backward wilderness area is re-thought as the local investment opportunities are brought to the fore.
From this approach, the potential of local economies may be more easily recognized and tapped not only by the foreigners but also by the local individuals.
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