The pivotal role the hospitality and tourism industry play in the economic growth of our country calls for regulatory mechanisms.
A vacuum left by the absence of regulatory mechanism has led to quacks roaming the industry. With training being the lifeline of all professions, it is obvious the unregulated training undermines quality service delivery.
This begs the question: Does the country have universally accepted training standards for all hospitality and tourism training institutions? Does the Tourism Act intend to fill this void? Actions by players in the industry are worrying. It appears anything goes in the tourism industry.
Sound human resource development is the foundation of unrivaled and consistent standards of services. But malpractices in the training realm continue to dog the sector under the pretext discipline is still low.
Tourism scholars argue the industry is not a profession, but a multiplicity of sub-sectors grouped together. Does fragmentation mean a sector cannot mature into a credible profession? Many questions abound about just how long a discipline should take to be recognised as a profession.
Over the years, hospitality and tourism have established principles and practices that govern the conduct of the sector. Chefs, hotel managers, front office personnel, and housekeepers generally carry out their responsibilities in a systematic manner. There are established procedures for servicing rooms, cleaning public areas, checking in guests and preparing meals. Could the sector be a victim of the misconception that demeans aspects of the profession, such as cooking and housekeeping being viewed as low cadre trades?
Just like the professions of medicine, law and engineering, scholars and practitioners in the industry must arise to defend the threatened discipline.
A central referral mechanism should be put in place to harmonise tourism. If it is possible to have certified institutes for accountants, lawyers, and architects then the same can be established for tourism.
A referral training centre to offer certification to professionals upon sitting a common exam should be set up. A professional exam would weed out quacks by ensuring only professionally competent persons operate in the industry.
The industry should consider institutions like Kenya Utalii College as a referral centre for the sector due to its long history of hospitality and tourism training.
Bahati Amaya, Nairobi
