Masai Mara in Butlers Module

1. Masai Mara in Butler’s Model

Butler’s model states that most tourist destination experiences a six phase model which he calls the Tourism Life Cycle Model. It expresses that most visitor destination begin on a little scale and get greater and greater until stagnation happens. The six phase of model are; Exploration, Involvement, Development, Consolidation, Stagnation and Rejuvenation/Decline.

According to our research Masai Mara is in the Rejuvenation stage where they are trying to change their target market and also trying to stop the mistakes which they are doing in regular basis. Mass tourism is the reason behind most challenges in the reserve so; they are trying to change their persona as elite tourism destination. By doing this low spending tourist flow will decrease which will ultimately have positive impact in both economic and environment. When they realize that the tourists are attracted towards them and their culture they start promoting and preserving it which makes the involvement of tourists with local Masai. And it also helps to decrease the conflict. Strict rules against the activities that is affecting the environment and wildlife. As off road, hot air balloon is affecting the animal some came up with the solution of installing GPS in the vans and balloons to track the activities of the drivers and operators.

1. Conclusion  

According to all the data we have collected we can conclude that Masai Mara is really a good tourism destination for the one who love safari and who want to explore the traditional culture. This place has lots of opportunities but along with that they are also facing a lot of challenges.  Because of the tourism Masai people started to understand the importance of education. But at the same time the flow of tourist bring a lot of pollution. People from various corner of the world come to see the Masai Mara National park. The hotels, vans drivers are highly benefiting from the tourists expenses whereas, local Masai are getting very low amount. The people are preserving their culture as it is also the one attraction for the tourists. Road is the main problem for the tourist but this problem will soon be eradicated as the road is being constructed. We have also found many camps are actively following sustainable practices.  Unauthentic culture is also a major problem which can be eradicated by cultural education to tourist and encouraging both locals and tourist to bond. Our recommendation for the betterment of this reserve is opening quality hotels around the reserve and providing jobs to the educated Masai People and giving training to the upcoming hoteliers as tourists will get world class service. Masai communities should allow choosing for them, the ways in which they want to interact with tourists. It can bring the possibilities to promote the opportunities for Masai to be involved in tourism activities. They can aware both local and tourists to dispose the waste properly which can help to decrease the pollution. If they are able to solve all these problems, no one can stop Masai Mara from being a beautiful and serene destination.