Optimism as tourism taskforce starts work

The newly formed Tourism Recovery Taskforce has three months to prepare and submit a strategy on reviving the once vibrant  sector. The committee is expected to identify key challenges facing the sector and come up with turnaround strategies - at a time when there is a huge decline in tourism arrivals and earnings.

Chaired by former Jacaranda Indian Ocean Beach and Resort & Spa Manager Lucy Karume, the taskforce is expected to come up with ways on how to handle travel advisories issued, especially by Western countries.

East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie noted that the taskforce is part of the Government’s effort to revive the sector. “We expect the stakeholders forming the taskforce to consult  government ministries and the private sector involved in the sector and come up with an all-inclusive strategy,” noted Kandie. This was during the launch of the taskforce in Nairobi yesterday.

Members of the taskforce gazetted last week include Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa, Jaideep Vohra, Taita Taveta Governor John Mruttu, Adan Jillo, Equity Bank Chief Operating Officer Julius Kipngetich, and lawyers Cecil Miller and Donald Kipkorir among others. The committee is expected to work with stakeholders to reposition tourism as a key sector. The committees formed to spearhead recovery efforts yesterday included marketing, branding and media, budgeting and financing and security.