ROLE OF URBAN TOURISM IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA

Abstract

Urban tourism offers economic and social benefits for cities but may also cause environmental harm, overcrowding and economic disparities. Achieving sustainable development in urban areas requires a comprehensive management approach. The study focused on Nairobi City County, examining urban tourism's impact on sustainability and identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement. The qualitative research design was used to investigate the complex phenomena. This study aimed to research the role of urban tourism in promoting sustainable development in Nairobi City County. The study explored the role of urban tourism in achieving specific goals, along with the challenges and opportunities associated with it. Utilizing a qualitative design, it included 24 local urban stakeholders, government planners, and NGOs. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, note-taking, and photography. The findings of the study classified urban tourism's contributions into six key themes, which illustrate its dualistic nature; the positive and negative effects of economic, socio-cultural and environmental factors. The positive effects are those that sustainable development goals strive to achieve and capitalize on, such as the creation of employment, conservation and preservation of cultural heritage and preservation and conservation of ecosystems. On the other hand, the negative aspects are those that should be minimized to include but not limited to seasonality of jobs, society inequality, human and solid waste management. The challenges that affect urban tourism include but not limited to increased urban population, garbage & pollution and degradation of urban resources. Nairobi urban tourism has immense opportunities ranging from diverse unique attractions, improved infrastructure and superstructure, geographical location of Nairobi, beatification of the city to a growing market for urban tourism. Urban tourism is essential to the sustainable development of Nairobi City County, as it provides numerous benefits for its citizens. It helps to create jobs, attract investment, promote cultural understanding, and improve the quality of life of its residents. Furthermore, it helps reduce the environmental burden and develop a more sustainable infrastructure. Urban tourism is undoubtedly an essential element to the sustainable development of Nairobi City County and it is clear that it can bring numerous economic, environmental and social benefits. However, it is also important to recognize that urban tourism can have negative impacts on both local communities and the environment. As such, it is crucial to consider the role of urban tourism in its contribution to sustainable development. Through the implementation of responsible tourism practices, as well as the promotion of sustainable destinations, cities will ensure that urban tourism is beneficial for both tourists and local residents. Efforts have been made to increase urban tourism in Nairobi County; however, further measures are required to ensure its long-term sustainability. Both the government and private sector must actively tackle obstacles and cooperate in promoting ethical tourism that positively influences the local community. In conclusion, the results revealed that efforts have been made to increase urban tourism in Nairobi County; however, further measures are required to ensure its long-term sustainability. Stakeholders sector must actively tackle obstacles and cooperate in promoting ethical tourism that positively affects the local community. Therefore, the study recommends to Nairobi County stakeholders on the need to develop strategies geared towards creating policies that will help foster sustainable development and lessen the negative effects of tourism activities on the environment, local communities and economies.