Cabinet secretary for tourism Najib Balala (left) and Kwale county
tourism executive Antony Mwamunga. PHOTO | LABAN WALONGA | NMG
Summary
- Tourism CS Najib Balala had suggested that stakeholders establish one lobby to represent the interests of the private sector players.
- He said having one body would strengthen tourism stakeholders and better help them push their agenda.
- Some players have come out to oppose the bid, saying the law supports formation of multiple associations to represent interests of various players.
A section of tourism stakeholders has
rejected a government proposal to dissolve all tourism associations and
merge them into one representative body.
Last week,
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala had suggested that the sector's
players establish one lobby to represent the interests of those in the
private sector rather than having many associations.
He said having one body would strengthen their voice and and better help them push their agenda.
“It
will be easier for me to hold negotiations with officials of one
tourism umbrella body rather than officials from 24 tourism
associations,” Mr Balala had said.
Room for pluralism
However,
the Tourism Professional Association (TPA) has come out to oppose the
bid saying the law supports formation of regional associations to
represent interests of various players.
“The Tourism
Cabinet Secretary’s suggestion is against the TRA (Tourism Regulatory
Authority) Act which encourages establishment of regional tourism
associations,” TPA interim secretary Sam Ikwaye said Monday, adding that
the different associations represent different interests.
Mr Ikwaye also says devolution had further segmented the goals of different tourism organisations in the 47 counties.
“There
is no way we can dissolve the tourism associations to form one
association as the interests of hoteliers are different from those of
tour operators or travel agents,” he added, citing the Kenya Coast
Tourism Association for tourism players and the Kenya Association of
Tour Operators for tour operators.
Currently, there are more than 40 associations representing the interests of different investors in the industry.
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