Assessment of the Potential of Adventure Tourism in the Mt. Kenya Region

Abstract

Today, adventure tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors of the global tourism. It has experienced phenomenal growth in the last twenty or so years. However, despite this phenomenal growth, there is still conceptual ambiguity in literature on this niche market. Research on adventure tourism is limited but this is gradually changing. The purpose of the study was to discuss the prospects of developing adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region and challenges likely to be faced. The area has been a major tourist destination since colonial times, especially for mountaineers and campers. However, little effort if any has been made by various stakeholders to develop adventure tourism in the area. Available literature on adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region is scanty. This study aims to fill this research gap. A descriptive research design was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative data provided information on opinions of tourists and industry officials interviewed concerning prospects and challenges for developing adventure tourism in the study area. Quantitative data provided information on major tourist attractions for adventure tourism in the study area. Data collection techniques such as questionnaire survey and interview schedules were used to assess the possibility of developing a viable adventure tourism industry in the area. SWOT analysis was used in the study to explain the current constraints and potential for adventure tourism in the Mt. Kenya region. In-depth literature review and SWOT analysis revealed that many prospects exist for adventure tourism in the study area. Mountaineering, rock climbing, camping and bungee jumping were identified as possible activities that can be developed and expanded for adventure tourism. Therefore, all the stakeholders in the tourism industry in the region should market the area more aggressively locally and internationally.