Efficacy of Codes of Conduct in Promoting Responsible Tourism Practices Within the Mount Kenya World Heritage Site

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the existing codes of conducts in promoting responsible tourism practices in Mount Kenya World Heritage Site. The study focused on the dissemination strategies adopted to ensure that the existing codes of conduct are communicated to the relevant stakeholders and to what extent the existing codes of conduct in Mount Kenya World Heritage Site have enhanced responsible tourism practices. The study adopted descriptive research design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study involved KWS and KFS officials as key informants, registered Mount Kenya porters and guides and tourists visiting Mount Kenya World Heritage site. The study covered a total of 343 respondents. Data was collected using structured questionnaires in Likert scale form and key informant interviews. The findings of the study indicated that codes of conduct for Mount Kenya World Heritage Site are well disseminated through training of the relevant stakeholders, putting up signage along the trails, briefing tourists before conducting tours and communicating the codes to the stakeholders. Additionally, the results of the study indicated that codes of conduct have contributed towards responsible tourism practises through raising awareness on responsible tourism, protection and conservation of natural and cultural resources, visitor management and regulation tourists behaviour.