The Blue Tourism Initiative has achieved another key milestone in the Diani-Shimoni seascape with the successful delivery of a follow-up training aimed at enhancing financial literacy and hospitality skills among community-based tourism stakeholders.

Held from 17th to 20th July, the training brought together over 30 participants actively involved in eco-tourism, conservation, and coastal enterprise. Facilitated by CORDIO East Africa in partnership with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute, the program focused on three core areas:

• Building financial literacy and accountability in managing tourism-generated income

• Improving tourism and hospitality standards to enhance visitor experiences

• Conducting knowledge assessments before and after the training to measure learning outcomes and guide future support

This initiative builds on previous governance and resource management training conducted in the region and strengthens the foundation for a tourism model that is community-led, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

Looking ahead, the program will expand to include peer learning exchanges, digital marketing training, and infrastructure development to support the continued growth of community-based ecotourism across the Western Indian Ocean.