Tourism stakeholders have come together to deliberate on strategies to deal with the security challenge in the sector.
The meeting taking place in Mombasa has brought together over 200 stakeholders mainly from the ministry of tourism, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), hoteliers, tour and beach operators, Mombasa county government, Tourism research institute, Tourism regulatory authority, tourism traffic police unit among other stakeholders.
Speaking while officially opening the meeting , Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua emphasized the need for cooperation between the stakeholders.
"Tourism safety and security significantly impact economic growth, social cohesion, and overall quality of life. Addressing these issues requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, law enforcement, communities, and development partners. By sharing knowledge and best practices, we can create a safer environment for tourists and locals." said Ololtua.
Adding " The tourism industry is a vital component of our economy, creating jobs, generating revenue, and highlighting the natural beauty and cultural richness of our nation. Ensuring the safety and security of our tourism sector is crucial for its continued growth and prosperity."
The meeting comes at a time when the country is experiencing weekly demonstrations mainly from the youth who have come out to express their disaffection with the government.
The PS took the opportunity to call on Kenyans to maintain peace.
"I would like to call on Kenyans to maintain unity and peace. This industry can only thrive when there is peace" said Ololtua.
The PS revealed that the ministry is developing and reviewing several policies and strategies, including the review of the Tourism Policy and the Tourism Act Cap 381 to align with current sector dynamics, the development of a National Tourism Strategy, the creation of Tourism Master Plans and Area Development Plans and the review of our Strategic Plan.
Ololtua charged "In 2023, Kenya saw a positive trend in tourism with 2.086 million international tourist arrivals, compared to 1.483 million in 2022, marking a 35.4% increase. We expect this number to grow to 5 million by 2027. Additionally, inbound earnings rose to Kshs. 352.54 billion in 2023 from Kshs. 268.09 billion in 2022, a 31.5% increase, with projections of reaching Kshs. 825 billion in 2024."
Speaking at the same time Kenya Tourism Federation C.E.O Susan Ogalo called for cooperation between the poilce, traffic department and tour operators.
"We have received alot of complains of harassment from our tour operators. We need to sensitize our police especially the traffic police on how to deal with tour operators. Why should a tour operator transporting tourists to their destination be stopped for hours by a traffic officer, this causes unnecessary uncertainty and inconveniences. If a driver has issues or has committed an offence, why can't the officer just issue the driver with a note to appear at the police station or court later and let him proceed with the journey" said Ogalo.
Ogalo further revealed that the federation has established security safety centres which have played a major role in ensuring security for tourists.
Ogalo noted "We have not received any complain of even a single tourist being affected or caught up in the ongoing demonstrations, this is because through the safety centres we have been able to advise our toup operators and tourists on safe routes and safety measures as the demonstrations take place"
