Contribution of Tourism to Cultural Heritage Resilience: An Analysis of Old Towns of Kenya’s Coast

Local values, particularly religious practices, play a more significant role in sustaining cultural heritage in Kenya's old towns than tourism. A study analyzing the resilience of tangible and intangible heritage in Lamu Old Town found that while tourism contributes to the preservation of built heritage, it is not the primary driver for locals' conservation efforts. The research, involving 110 participants including elders, household leaders, and heritage managers, revealed that intangible heritage faces more frequent shocks (89.9%) compared to tangible heritage (10.1%). It also highlighted the need for integrating Swahili culture into educational curricula and adopting a rational resilience framework that balances socio-cultural and environmental aspects while considering community perspectives. The study recommends involving local leaders in conservation efforts and developing specific cultural indicators to ensure authenticity, alongside policies that promote sustainable tourism and land use.

(Ed.). (2024). Contribution of Tourism to Cultural Heritage Resilience: An Analysis of Old Towns of Kenya’s Coast. Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, 7(2), 95–118. https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t5343