By A, KNA
Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Tourist Police Unit (TPU) are working closely in ongoing nationwide inspections of tourist vehicles, tour guides and tour operators to crackdown on tour companies that do not comply with tourism regulations.
Speaking at Sekenani gate, Maasai Mara National Reserve today, the TRA, Director General, Norbert Talam, observed that the sector was marred by rising cases of malpractices by a minority of operators.
The malpractices include; use of unlicensed Tourist Service Vehicles (TSVs), employment of unlicensed and untrained tour guides and breach of contractual obligations like abandoning safaris, extorting money and cancelling booking without prior notice.
He reiterated the need to sanitise the sector that is one of the most lucrative economic pillars in the country as it generates thousands of jobs, earns the country foreign exchange and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP.
“In order to achieve our ambitious target of attracting over five (5) million international tourists by 2027, it is critical to uphold safety, quality and integrity in the provision of tourism services,” said Talam.
TRA, he said, in partnership with the National Police Service through the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), County Government and other enforcement agencies will ensure strict compliance with licensing and operational standards.
The enforcement agencies will also ensure that tourists are protected from exploitation while ensuring they receive value for money; as well as safeguarding Kenya’s reputation as a world-class and trusted destination.
“Let it be clear: tourism regulations are not punitive measures. They exist to protect the sector, its investors and most importantly the clients, who choose Kenya as their destination of choice,” he underscored.
The crackdown focused on mandatory verification of: valid TRA licenses for all tour operators, Tourist Service Vehicle (TSV) licenses issued by National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and ensuring that non-TSVs are not used to ferry tourists.
Operators who fail to regularise their operations within the stipulated timelines will be prosecuted in court of law and those who continue flouting the regulations will have their licenses suspended or withdrawn.
The DG committed to a regular publication of a list of complaint operators on the TRA website, to guide stakeholders and the public.
“This will be a continuous exercise and we emphasise that it is not about punishing the industry but about raising standards, protecting the visitors and securing the long-term growth of the tourism sector,” he said.
