During the WIOMSA 13th Symposium in Mombasa from 28th to 4th October 2025, the Blue Tourism Initiative is organising the “Blue Tourism Mini Symposium: Advancing Policy to Practice and Livelihood Development.” The event will be held at the Shimba, Pride Inn Resort in Mombasa (WIO), from 4pm to 5.45pm. 

This mini-symposium will highlight the impacts and positive outcomes of blue tourism and nature-based tourism, share cutting-edge research on blue tourism to address key challenges, and explore opportunities to foster a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector, in both science-policy and practice. Speakers will highlight best practices; propose innovative approaches and actionable recommendations to enhance decision-making, supporting a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient blue tourism sector.
This symposium aims to:

• Explore cutting-edge research and success stories in sustainable blue tourism.

• Highlight the connection between tourism, small-scale fisheries, and community well-being.

• Identify actionable pathways to strengthen governance and foster inclusive, resilient coastal economies.

Participants will gain access to a unique lineup of presentations, speed talks, and interactive sessions covering:

• Tourism & Small-Scale Fisheries: Insights from Zanzibar and Mnemba Island.

• Culinary Literacy for Seafood Tourism: Building awareness for sustainable seafood choices.

• Blue Ecotourism in Madagascar: Governance models that conserve biodiversity while supporting local livelihoods.

• Tourism Experience Analysis: Innovative research linking guest experiences to sustainability outcomes.

Speakers include Paul Baraka (CORDIO East Africa) and Kevin Mearns (University of South Africa), as well as regional experts who are shaping the future of tourism policy and practice.

This symposium will produce a policy brief and actionable recommendations designed to enhance decision-making, empower communities, and catalyse partnerships across sectors.