Sustainable Tourism Certification, Local Governance and Management in Dealing with Overtourism in East Africa
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to understand the causes and effects of overtourism within the East
African region. The paper examines how national governments address the problem of overtourism in East
Africa and determines underlying principles and best practice in sustainable tourism certification, local
governance and management in dealing with overtourism.
Design/methodology/approach – To address the objectives, the researcher conducted an exploratory
experience survey research design. The study examines the different articles in the subject area and interview
findings of practitioner respondents. Based on a review of the existing dimensions of overtourism, the effects
of overtourism and local governance, the study sought to derive a holistic (systemic and integrated)
perspective on the subject matter.
Findings – The paper presents valuable evidence from industry practitioners on the effects of overtourism
in East Africa by classifying the effects as psychological, physical, economic and socio-cultural. Further, the
paper examines how East African governments address the problem of overtourism and gives
recommendations on ways to enforce, govern and coordinate implementation of tourism regulations and
policies in East Africa.
Originality/value – This paper is the first to address overtourism in the context of East Africa, examining
different local and innovative approaches to dealing with the impacts of overtourism in an East African
context.