Journal of Tourism and Hospitality Management

An Amalgamated Theoretical Framework for Tourism Policy and Planning: A Kenyan Perspective
Hellen Ogutu

Abstract
Overall, the goal of tourism policy, planning, and development is to promote the growth of the tourism industry while ensuring that it is sustainable, inclusive, and responsible. The industry faces significant challenges, including infrastructure gaps, limited capacity for tourism management, and a lack of investment in the sector. In addition, there are also concerns around the environmental and social impacts of tourism, such as the overuse of natural resources, and the displacement of local communities. Effective tourism policy, planning, and development can provide economic benefits, create jobs, and preserve cultural and natural resources, while also contributing to the social and environmental well-being of the communities involved. The status of tourism management in Kenya is characterized by both opportunities and challenges, and there is ongoing work to support the growth and sustainability of the industry. In response to these challenges, the government of Kenya has been working to promote and support the development of the tourism sector through various policies and initiatives. This paper sought to conceptualize the process of tourism policy, planning and development mechanisms and initiatives, informed by models anchored on the Tourism Pyramid and building blocks for sustainable tourism Models intertwined to the collaboration theory, in relation to the Sustainable Tourism Development (STD) Model which emphasizes on the importance of balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations in tourism planning and development. The goal is to create a sustainable tourism industry that provides benefits to local communities and protects natural and cultural resources. Resource-Based View (RBV) of Tourism model informs tourism planning and development by emphasizing the importance of leveraging a destination's unique resources to attract visitors and promote economic growth. Destination Marketing and Management (DMM) Model is used to inform tourism planning and development decisions and to ensure that a destination is effectively marketed and managed to achieve its goals. The main propose is to determine an integrated model (system) that can be embedded the development, monitoring and evaluation of a National Tourism Strategy, which aims to promote sustainable tourism development and ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared by all stakeholders. Tourism policy, planning, and development play a crucial role in supporting the growth and sustainability of the tourism industry in Kenya, and the government of Kenya is committed to ensuring that these efforts are aligned with the goals of sustainable development. Thus, this paper is projected to inform the processes of policy making, planning, development, practice and add value to the knowledge body tourism management. Additionally, it is anticipated to improve the regulatory environment for the tourism sector in general. Further studies can be done on the regulatory environment for the tourism sector, in relation to: Policies on simplifying the visa application process regionally and providing tax incentives for tourism businesses in general; Examine the role of tourism policy and planning in promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth in tourism destinations; Community involvement in tourism policy and planning.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jthm.v11n2a1