Wildlife tourism destination dilemma: The interplay between tourism development, conservation, and community wellbeing

Residents’ perceptions with respect to tourism developments and conservation interventions in protected areas are rarely considered when considering the development of nature-based destinations. A qualitative study was conducted involving focus groups consisting of (all Masai tribe people residing in the greater Maasai Mara). Results show that residents are largely aware of the benefits of wildlife tourism to the community. However, they are sensitive about conservation interventions that disregard their traditional practices. The results also revealed vulnerabilities and a need to reflect on the status of residents’ attitudes towards and perceptions of tourism development and conservation interventions. This study therefore extends existing research knowledge by highlighting factors which influence residents’ current positive and negative perceptions of wildlife conservation interventions and deriving some implications for inclusive conservation and tourism development strategies in protected areas from the perspective of residents.