Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has today established the National Tourism and Hospitality Protocols Task force to save hospitality establishments from sinking under heavy weight of coronavirus.
The ministry will lead a 17-member task force that will develop Tourism and Hospitality protocols and guidelines in response to COVID-19 pandemic and support tourism operations that have experienced reduced activities over the last three months.
Cabinet Secretary in the ministry, Najib Balala said the taskforce has seven days to come up with a working protocol.
“We have appointed a 17-member task force to establish guidelines in response to COVID- 19. Some protocols are ready and some not yet. We urge every sector to come up with their protocols. All these protocols must align with the Ministry of Health measures so that we can have safety and hygiene for our people,” Balala said.
Principal Secretary, State Department of Tourism, Chief Executive Officer Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers, Chief Executive Officer Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Chief Executive Officer Pubs, Entertainment and Restaurants Association of Kenya and the Chief Executive Officer Kenya Association of Air Operators makes up members of the task force.
”All the industry players representing the various sectors of the industry are on board and have in their capacities come up with draft proposals (Protocols) which they will forward to the Health Ministry for endorsement before operationalisation,” said Balala.
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The task force will also include Chief Executive Officer Tour Operators Society of Kenya, Representative of Adventure Tourism, Chief Executive Officer Events Management Association of Kenya.
Other players are Chief Executive Officer Retail Traders Association of Kenya, Chief Executive Officer Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association and Chief Executive Officer Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association.
