Travel agents fault State for ignoring sector
Business
By
Moses Omusolo
| Nov 28, 2022
The government has been accused of neglecting some players in the tourism sector.
The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (Kata) said the State does not fully appreciate its role in the economy, limiting its members' potential in helping the country become a leading business and ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/index.php/news/article/2001272230/travel-agents-to-market-kenya-at-fete">leisure destination<.
Kata Chairperson Shazim Manji-Karmali noted that travel agents alone contribute over 75 per cent of the passenger number bookings in the country. "The travel sector is enabling travel within Kenya and beyond. We are also the key facilitators of domestic travel, which is what kept hospitality growing post-Covid," said Ms Manji-Karmali.
"Moving forward within the next year, I envision that Kata would be more active in this conversation not only with the Ministry of Tourism but also with the Ministry of Transport, which governs the airlines that operate in the region with a view to forming working collaborations."
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza defended the State over claims of neglecting the sub-sector, saying the ministry is well-apprised of the role travel agents play in the sector.
READ MORE
Kenyans will have final say on Finance Bill 2024, says Nyoro
Why Finance Bill 2024 is bitter pill for Coast residents
State priorities in sharp focus as Executive splurges on luxuries
Drafters of Finance Bill should go back to the drawing board
New Eco Levy threatens Kenya's green future and jobs, say experts
Firm charts green energy path with low-carbon emission engines
Kenya must make tough choices now to turn around the economy
Ruto's haste to introduce more taxes will turn out to be a wild goose chase
Adak says Kenya will have a very clean team at Olympics in Paris
Ms Malonza said the State is willing to listen and partner with stakeholders on initiatives geared towards boosting the image of the country both locally and abroad.
"We need to leverage Kata operators in targeting our key source markets," said Ms Malonza.
She directed ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/news/article/2000096873/agents-threaten-to-relocate-over-vat-act">Kenya Tourism Board< to look into creating incentives for those who aggressively market the country's signature experiences and unique propositions.