The Council of Governors (CoG) chair of the wildlife and tourism committee, Patrick Ole Ntutu, has made a passionate call to unlock the tourism treasures found within Kenya’s counties. Ntutu, who also serves as the Governor of Narok, highlighted that many potential tourism products remain undiscovered in various counties, despite their capacity to enhance the country’s image and marketability. He emphasized the CoG’s commitment to discovering and promoting these hidden gems, stating, “We have tasked the county executive committee members for tourism to at least identify one of the best tourism sites for marketing.”
Governor Ntutu made these remarks during a dinner in Kisumu, where he was the chief guest at events leading up to the United Nations World Tourism Day and Kenya Tourism Week celebrations. He stressed the importance of packaging unique tourism products to create a vibrant platform for tourism engagement. “Counties must showcase what they believe is their best in terms of tourism products,” he stated.
According to Ntutu, the counties serve as the guardians of invaluable tourism resources and possess the potential to significantly contribute to the national tourism sector. He noted that Kenya is home to an array of rich tourism gems that are often overlooked. “The 47 counties have rich tourism gems amidst them, and we have embarked on a journey to unearth them. We want to nurture products and create experiences within our counties,” he explained.
Ntutu encouraged Kenyans to explore their own country and travel to various county destinations, which would help spur local tourism. However, he raised concerns about the low entry charges at the country’s parks and other tourism sites, which he believes have led to a decline in the sector’s contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “Tourism was once the number one earner for our GDP, but it has now fallen to number four due to the low rates we charge at our parks and other sites,” he lamented.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, who was also in attendance at the dinner, emphasized the importance of marketing products within established tourism circuits. Miano took the opportunity to unveil nine tourism circuits throughout the country, encouraging each county to showcase its offerings. “I am excited that we are unveiling the circuits we have in the country so that each county can showcase what they have,” she said.
Miano also called on the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, to leverage their smartphones to capture and share images of their favorite destinations, thereby fostering a sustainable tourism sector. “Take photographs of the best places around your homes to market our remarkable nation,” she encouraged.
The call to action from both Ntutu and Miano underscores the significance of collaborative efforts in revitalizing Kenya’s tourism sector. By highlighting and promoting unique local experiences, the CoG aims to not only increase awareness of these hidden treasures but also to enhance the overall tourism experience in the country. As the journey to uncover and nurture these tourism products continues, there is hope that they will ultimately contribute to the growth and sustainability of Kenya’s tourism industry.
Discovering Local Treasures
The initiative to unlock tourism treasures within the counties represents a strategic move towards diversifying the tourism offerings in Kenya. With each county possessing unique cultural, historical, and natural attractions, there is a wealth of opportunities waiting to be tapped into. The CoG’s call for counties to identify and promote their best tourism sites is a step in the right direction, allowing localities to showcase what makes them special.
For example, counties like Narok, known for their rich Maasai culture and the iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve, have much to offer, from wildlife experiences to cultural encounters. Similarly, coastal counties boast beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life, while counties in the Rift Valley present breathtaking landscapes and adventure tourism opportunities. Each county has the potential to develop tailored tourism products that cater to different interests and demographics.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with the global trend of promoting sustainable tourism, which emphasizes the importance of preserving local cultures and environments while providing economic benefits to communities. By encouraging local tourism, counties can foster a sense of ownership among residents, leading to greater investment in the preservation of cultural heritage and natural resources.
Marketing and Promotion Strategies
To effectively market these tourism products, counties must develop comprehensive marketing strategies that utilize both traditional and digital platforms. Engaging storytelling that captures the essence of each destination will be crucial in attracting both domestic and international tourists. Additionally, leveraging social media can amplify these efforts, with influencers and content creators playing a pivotal role in showcasing the unique experiences available across the counties.
Workshops and training sessions for local tourism stakeholders can enhance their marketing skills and equip them with the necessary tools to promote their offerings effectively. Collaboration between counties can also foster cross-promotional opportunities, allowing tourists to explore multiple destinations within a single trip.
Economic Impact and Community Involvement
The economic benefits of unlocking tourism treasures in the counties extend beyond the tourism sector itself. Increased tourism can lead to job creation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced community services. It is essential for local governments to work closely with communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism are felt at the grassroots level.
Community involvement in tourism planning and development will also help ensure that local cultures and traditions are respected and preserved. This participatory approach can empower communities, leading to a more sustainable and inclusive tourism industry.
Conclusion
As Kenya seeks to revive its tourism sector and reclaim its status as a leading tourist destination, the call to unlock tourism treasures within the counties is timely and significant. With concerted efforts from the government, local authorities, and communities, the potential for growth and development in the tourism industry is immense. By embracing local treasures and promoting diverse tourism products, Kenya can pave the way for a sustainable and vibrant tourism sector that benefits all stakeholders involved.
The journey of discovery and promotion is just beginning, and with the right strategies in place, the counties can emerge as thriving hubs of tourism that contribute to the overall prosperity of the nation.
