The Influence of Terrorist Activities on International Tourism in Kenya between 2008-2018: A Case Study of Travellers Beach Hotel, Mombasa County.

This study sought to examine the influence of terrorist activities on international tourism in Kenya between 2008-2018: A case study of Travellers Beach Hotel, Mombasa County. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the effect of terrorist suicide attacks on international tourism in Kenya; to establish the effect of terrorist kidnappings on international tourism in Kenya; and to determine the predominant challenges in fighting terrorism in Kenya. The investigation utilized a questionnaire as the principle instrument to accumulate essential information. Owing to the small number of staff members in the hotel, the study conducted a census of all the 125 members to interview the following categories of individuals: directors, operations managers, waiters, managers and security personnel. Data was analysed using Descriptive Analysis, Pearson’s Simple Correlation Analysis as well as Panel Regression Analyses. The findings of this study showed that terrorist activities affect the cost of operating tourist business. The study has determined that dissident groups have become more active and more established at the coastal region and they use kidnappings of tourists and business people to support and fund their activities through ransom payments. The study has established that terrorist threats issued in the last one year in Mombasa County has seen cancellation of international trips to Kenya. The study has noted that inadequate procedures laid out all over the hotel sector on how to react in case of a terrorist attack on the hotel as a challenge in fighting terrorism. The study concluded that tourist-kidnapping incidents are a key contributing factor to the decline in international arrivals at the coastal region. Poor enactment and effective implementation of anti-terrorism kidnapping laws is also a challenge in the fight against terror. The study recommends countries to collaborate with other nations on war against terror attacks so to create a positive image to the international travellers. It is also recommended that terror threats or incidents should not be allowed considerable media attention. The study recommends governments to have well-trained and honest security forces committed to serving justice through established legal means as a way to combat terrorism.