Fundamentals of Tourism — March/April 2023

Source: 02 FUNDAMENTALS OF TOURISM MARCH 2023_compressed.pdf | Paper code: 2912/101; 2918/101

Question 1(a)

Describe five roles performed by destination managers in the tourism industry. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Planning tourism development: prepare destination plans that coordinate attractions, accommodation, transport and visitor facilities.
  2. Marketing the destination: research target markets and promote a coherent destination identity through suitable channels.
  3. Coordinating stakeholders: bring government, businesses and host communities together to agree priorities and resolve operational problems.
  4. Managing visitor experiences: organise information, signage and service standards so visitors can move around and enjoy the destination.
  5. Protecting destination resources: monitor tourism impacts and support conservation, visitor management and benefits for local residents.

Question 1(b)

Explain five factors that have encouraged the growth of wildlife tourism in Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Diverse wildlife: many mammal, bird and plant species create varied viewing experiences.
  2. Protected areas: national parks, reserves and conservancies safeguard habitats and provide organised visitor access.
  3. International promotion: destination campaigns and wildlife documentaries increase awareness and interest.
  4. Tourism infrastructure: lodges, airstrips, roads and trained guides make wildlife areas easier to visit.
  5. Distinctive natural events: experiences such as the Maasai Mara migration attract visitors seeking exceptional wildlife encounters.

Question 2(a)

Explain five advantages of using private transport to tour destinations. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Flexible timing: travellers can choose departure times and stop when convenient.
  2. Flexible routes: the itinerary can include places outside scheduled public transport routes.
  3. Privacy: the travelling party enjoys its own space without sharing with strangers.
  4. Convenient luggage handling: equipment and personal belongings remain with the group, reducing repeated transfers.
  5. Direct travel: door-to-door transport avoids changing vehicles and can save time.

Question 2(b)

Outline five functions performed by the Kenya Association of Tour Operators. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Represent tour operators in discussions with government and other industry stakeholders.
  2. Promote ethical conduct and professional standards among members.
  3. Provide members with industry information and advisory support.
  4. Support the marketing of Kenya and member tour services.
  5. Encourage responsible tourism and the conservation of tourism resources.

Question 3(a)

Explain five measures that are taken by Tour Operators to ensure safety and security of tourists in a destination. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Assess risks before travel and avoid routes or activities presenting unacceptable danger.
  2. Use roadworthy, appropriately insured vehicles operated by qualified drivers.
  3. Engage competent guides and brief tourists on local hazards, behaviour and emergency arrangements.
  4. Select reputable accommodation and service providers with suitable safety procedures.
  5. Maintain communication and emergency response arrangements, including contacts for medical assistance and evacuation.

Question 3(b)

Tourism has encouraged conservation of forests in Kenya. Explain five benefits of such conservation to the ecosystem. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Biodiversity protection: forests provide habitat, food and breeding sites for many species.
  2. Water catchment protection: vegetation supports infiltration and helps regulate river flow.
  3. Soil conservation: roots stabilise soil and the canopy reduces the force of rainfall, limiting erosion.
  4. Climate regulation: trees store carbon and influence local temperature and humidity.
  5. Nutrient cycling: decomposing organic matter replenishes soil nutrients and supports food webs.

Question 4(a)

Describe five types of special interest tourist activities that may be undertaken by visitors in Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Birdwatching: identifying and observing birds in wetlands, forests and savannahs.
  2. Mountaineering: climbing or trekking on mountains such as Mount Kenya.
  3. Cultural learning: visiting communities, museums and heritage sites to learn about local traditions.
  4. Sport fishing: travelling to suitable inland or coastal waters for recreational fishing under applicable rules.
  5. Ecotourism: taking nature-focused trips that support conservation and local communities.

Question 4(b)

Explain five factors that influenced the growth of tourism after the World War II in Europe. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Higher disposable incomes enabled more households to pay for holidays.
  2. Paid annual leave and shorter working hours created time for leisure travel.
  3. Improved aircraft, roads and private car ownership made travel faster and more accessible.
  4. Package holidays and charter flights reduced the cost and complexity of overseas trips.
  5. Post-war economic recovery and greater international cooperation encouraged investment and cross-border travel.

Question 5(a)

Explain five reasons why a tourist would be advised to take travel insurance cover for a holiday. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Medical expenses: suitable cover can help meet unexpected treatment costs during a trip.
  2. Emergency evacuation or repatriation: relevant cover assists when urgent transport home or to appropriate care is needed.
  3. Trip cancellation: insured causes may allow recovery of prepaid, non-refundable expenses.
  4. Lost, stolen or damaged baggage: cover can compensate covered losses up to policy limits.
  5. Travel disruption: relevant benefits may help with additional costs arising from covered delays or interruptions.

Question 5(b)

The government and the private sector cooperate in carrying out various functions that are useful to the tourism industry. Describe five such functions. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Destination marketing through joint campaigns, trade fairs and market research.
  2. Infrastructure development through coordinated investment in roads, airports and visitor facilities.
  3. Conservation through partnerships that protect wildlife, habitats and heritage attractions.
  4. Skills development through training, attachment programmes and agreed service standards.
  5. Safety and crisis management through information sharing, emergency planning and coordinated responses.

Question 6(a)

Explain five reasons that discourage visitors from taking holidays in the North coastal tourist circuit of Kenya. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Actual or perceived insecurity may cause visitors or tour operators to avoid particular areas.
  2. Limited transport connections and long journey times can make access difficult or expensive.
  3. Inadequate or poorly maintained visitor facilities may reduce comfort and convenience.
  4. Seasonal weather, including heavy rain or rough sea conditions, can disrupt beach and marine activities.
  5. Insufficient information and promotion can make alternative destinations appear easier to plan and book. These are possible deterrents, not a claim that every location in the circuit has these conditions.

Question 6(b)

Outline five measures that may be taken to promote sustainable tourism in a destination. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Control development and visitor numbers to match environmental and social capacity.
  2. Protect habitats, wildlife and cultural heritage through appropriate management.
  3. Employ local residents and purchase locally produced goods and services.
  4. Reduce waste and conserve water and energy in tourism operations.
  5. Involve host communities in tourism decisions and share benefits fairly.

Question 7(a)

Describe five ways in which tourism activities have negatively affected the cultures of the local communities. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. Commodification can turn meaningful ceremonies and traditions into performances primarily for sale.
  2. Demonstration effects can encourage imitation of visitor lifestyles at the expense of valued local practices.
  3. Commercial pressure can alter crafts, music or dress to fit visitor expectations and reduce cultural authenticity.
  4. Disrespect for sacred places or customs can offend residents and weaken traditional authority.
  5. Unequal access to tourism income can create conflict within communities and undermine social cohesion.

Question 7(b)

Explain five reasons why some tourists avoid group tours when taking a holiday. (10 marks)

Answer

  1. They prefer to choose their own routes, activities and pace.
  2. Fixed schedules can limit time at favourite attractions.
  3. They may value privacy and time with their own companions.
  4. Different interests, ages or behaviour within a group can cause friction.
  5. Compulsory stops or bundled services may offer poor value for their personal interests.
Next