Role of Homestay Tourism in Enhancing Cultural Exchange in Coastal Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/jht.2807Keywords:
Homestay Tourism, Cultural Exchange, CoastalAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this article was to role of homestay tourism in enhancing cultural exchange in coastal Kenya
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The study found that homestay tourism significantly strengthens direct interactions between tourists and host families, allowing visitors to experience authentic aspects of life in coastal Kenya. Through shared daily routines, guests gained a deeper appreciation of local traditions, including cuisine, language, and cultural practices. Homestay hosts also benefited from the exchanges, noting that they acquired fresh perspectives and knowledge from their visitors. The findings further showed that organized cultural activities such as storytelling, traditional dances, and craft demonstrations enhanced visitors’ understanding of coastal heritage. Overall, the research concluded that homestay tourism is an effective avenue for fostering meaningful cultural exchange, promoting mutual respect, and supporting the preservation of coastal Kenya’s cultural identity.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Exchange Theory, Contact Hypothesis and Theory of Cultural Authenticity may be used to anchor future studies on Role of Homestay Tourism in Enhancing Cultural Exchange in Coastal Kenya. For homestay operators and associations, enhancing authentic exchange requires moving from ad-hoc hosting to a deliberate, professionally supported "Cultural Exchange Management" system. County and national governments must transition from regulating homestays solely as accommodation providers to recognizing and incentivizing their role as Critical Infrastructure for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Safeguarding.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Mwanaisha A. Kombo
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