Coastal Tourism and Economic Inclusion in Indian Ocean Rim Association States

Abstract

The inclusiveness of tourism development is coming under close academic and policy scrutiny, including in policy debates within the Indian Ocean region through the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Coastal and marine tourism is recognized as a vital Blue Economy sector by IORA countries and in the IORA Action Plan 2017–2021. South Africa, which serves as IORA chair from 2017–2019, has been at the forefront of recent debates around economic inclusion and tourism. The core focus of this study is to investigate the potential for expanded economic inclusion through promoting the participation of local entrepreneurs as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the coastal and marine tourism sector in IORA states, thereby contributing to an equitable and sustainable Blue Economy in the region. The study involved desk-top research on coastal and marine tourism, with a particular focus on economic inclusion and SME development aligned with international ‘good practice’ in coastal tourism. The results were triangulated with a series of expert consultations with key stakeholders in South Africa and Kenya, the two countries used as case studies. Coastal tourism is not a homogenous category. There are different forms of coastal tourism that service different market segments, each with varying potential for economic inclusion and SME development.