ECOTOURISM KENYA ALL SET FOR THEIR ANNUAL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM FORUM
(Posted 21st April 2015)
Ecotourism Kenya will from tomorrow hold their annual Sustainable Tourism Forum at the AMREF Centre in Langata, expecting to draw in a large number of tourism stakeholders using the platform to discuss pressing topics which presently stir debate in the country.
The theme this year was chosen as ‘Tourism Sustainability – It’s Our Time to Lead’
The two day event aims to build the capacity of responsible tourism businesses in Kenya and individual professionals through training in standards and best practices for the promotion of sustainable tourism in Kenya
Attendees are drawn from among Tourism investors, Tour operators, Hoteliers, Community-based tourism organizations, Government tourism agencies, Tourism schools and training institutions, from among researchers and consultants, policy planners, suppliers and service providers to the tourism sector and of course from the media houses.
The main objectives of the two day meeting, at which end Ecotourism Kenya will also hold its Annual General Meeting, were given as to promote, develop and integrate ecotourism standards in tourism investments and tourist product development in Kenya and too create a forum and network for exchanging ideas and information for promoting Kenya as a global ecotourism destination. Plenary and breakout sessions will allow participants to discuss in greater detail the many topics and formulate solutions to the challenges the industry faces today vis a vis sustainable operations and environmental best practise.
There will also be an exhibition running alongside the event where companies can showcase the latest technological advances in terms of equipment available today to save energy and water, among others.
Added details on the agenda for the two days are shown below where it is also mentioned that Ecotourism Kenya’s Gold rated properties will have a special session to interact and be recognized.
| Session 1: “Tourism sustainability guidelines for Tour Operators in Kenya”
11.30 – 1.00pm How can tour operators in Kenya adopt tourism sustainability principles and best practices meaningfully? Tour operators are the backbone of the tourism sector in Kenya. This session will provide long overdue ideas and demonstrations of how tour operators can embrace tourism sustainability at nil or minimal cost to their business while contributing significantly to the growth and development of sustainable tourism in Kenya. This session will address the issue of a proposed tour operators’ standard and certification scheme. Session 2: “Community Based Tourism Enterprises in Kenya – is it sustainable?” 2.00 – 4.30pm Most of Kenya’s tourist attractions today, which provide unique and satisfactory tourism experiences, are located in community areas outside wildlife national parks and away from the coastal beaches. In the absence of a clear legal framework and government policy, some communities have partnered with private investors to set up lucrative tourism enterprises on community land. Additionally, non-governmental organizations continue to build the capacity of many local communities to enable them develop viable tourism enterprises in wildlife-endowed wilderness areas. As a result, the total land size under community wildlife conservation areas today is more than that of all national parks and reserves combined. So, is it still possible to continue ignoring local communities while promoting Kenya as a sustainable tourism destination? NETWORKING COCKTAIL AND B2B WITH COMMUNITY GROUPS AND GREEN PRODUCERS AND EXHIBITORS – 6.00 – 7.30PM Day 2: Thursday 23rd April 2015 (8.30am – 10.30am) Session 3: “Making the Leap from Bronze to Gold – a step by step Guide” This practical session will target the 82 facilities that are Bronze and Silver rated with focus on a step by step guide through the Ecotourism Kenya’s eco-rating scheme. The session is however open to potential accommodation facilities that have been considering certification but require some preparation before the audit exercise. Individuals and organizations interested in advancing their knowledge of sustainability can attend. A selected number Gold certified facilities will share their experiences in a panel discussion where the Standards document recently developed by EK and uploaded on the ITC’s Standards Map will also be shared. Selected exhibitors will be making brief presentations on their green products and services Session 4: Minimum Environmental Standards for Sustainable tourism operations – 11.00 – 1.00pm Responsible tourism business operators apply the principles of sustainable tourism and incorporate these in their core business strategies and daily operations. There has been some key environmental regulations that have been amended and if not observed, could hamper effective operations. The session will therefore have professionals in a panel to discuss and answer questions on the following core issues:
Closed session for Gold Eco-rated facilities – 1.30 – 2.30pm Annual General Meeting – Ecotourism Kenya members only – 2.30 – 4.30pm |
