Socio-economic Impacts of International Tourism on a Local Community: A Case Study of the Town of Malindi, Kilifi County, Kenya

This research uses qualitative methods to investigate the social and economic impacts of international tourism on a host community in a coastal resort town of Malindi in Kenya. International tourism plays a very important role to the economy of the country as well as the locations where most visitors frequent mainly through employment opportunities. The town of Malindi in the recent past has experienced an increase in the number of visitors as a resort town and its close proximity to safari attractions The findings of the research proves that international tourism has created employment opportunities, assist in the growth of businesses, development of infrastructure, and public facilities and services. However, the results also reveals that international tourism has negative consequences like seasonality, environmental pollution, congestion, cultural conflicts, and gambling among others. Key Words: International Tourism, Impacts, Socio-economic, Host Community, Malind