Sex tourism: Romantic safaris, prayers and witchcraft at the Kenyan coast

Rose Kisia Omondi and Chris Ryan

Tourism Management, 2017, vol. 58, issue C, 217-227

Abstract: This paper explores the nature of sex tourism on the Kenyan coast. Based on a study of women offering ‘romantic’ experiences to international tourists in the beach towns of Mombasa and Malindi, the research suggests that these women are motivated by the desire to have a better life that only a mzungu (white foreigner) can provide. The study further indicates that, such is the number of local women competing to engage tourists on ‘romantic safaris’; they have to employ different skills and at times seek the help of witchcraft and their supernatural powers to succeed. In the end, the women run a number of risks that include becoming addicted to the ‘easy life’ that in turn compromises their ability to do something else for a living. The research presents a case study and contributes to the literature by its cultural context and description of strategies employed by the ‘romantic entertainers’.

Keywords: Sex; Tourism; Romantic safaris; Kenya coast (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:touman:v:58:y:2017:i:c:p:217-227

DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2015.11.003

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