Does Slow Accommodation Matter for Sustainable Tourism? Evidence from A Rural Destination in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t3177Abstract
This study examined whether slow accommodation including homestays, eco‑lodges, camping, and cultural huts contributes to sustainable tourism outcomes in Baringo County, a rural destination in Kenya with high tourism potential but persistently low performance. Despite possessing globally significant biodiversity and cultural assets, Baringo County recorded only 25,071 visitors in 2024, down from 74,569 in 2018. The conventional tourism model is characterized by short stays, economic leakage, and limited community engagement. Slow accommodation has been proposed as an alternative, but empirical evidence from sub‑Saharan Africa is lacking. A mixed‑methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 267 tourists via a structured questionnaire (response rate 75.2%). Qualitative data came from semi‑structured interviews with 12 tourism service providers and government officials. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to test the contribution of slow accommodation to sustainable tourism outcomes, controlling for demographic variables. Slow accommodation contributed significantly to sustainable tourism outcomes (β = 0.161, p = 0.002), though the effect was smaller than that of slow transportation or activities. Tourists showed strong preferences for camping (mean = 4.09), locally‑inspired accommodation (4.02), and homestays (4.01). Qualitative findings revealed that homestays enhance economic retention and cultural exchange, eco‑lodges promote environmental stewardship, and cultural huts preserve heritage. However, the attitude‑behaviour gap persists: some tourists choose slow accommodation for non‑sustainability reasons (e.g., cost, novelty) and behave resource‑intensively. Slow accommodation contributes meaningfully to sustainable tourism outcomes, but its potential is maximised only when complemented by tourist education, visible sustainability features, and integrated product design. The BUNON framework (Balance, Uniqueness, Nurture, Ownership, non‑haste) is introduced as a practical tool. Policymakers should integrate slow accommodation into county tourism strategies, provide incentives for homestays and eco‑lodges, and invest in pre‑arrival visitor education.
Keywords: slow accommodation, sustainable tourism, homestays, eco‑lodges, Baringo County, Kenya, BUNON framework
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