The Concept of Tourism Area Plans By Ruth, K.K. (2015)

The Concept of Tourism Area Plans By Ruth, K.K. (2015)

Tourism plays a significant role in the economy In 1963,the country turned to tourism as an alternative Through government efforts and inputs from the private sector, the country enjoyed a boom in tourist numbers up to 1988 However, this was done at the expense of the longterm health of tourism. In 1995, a master plan for tourism was developed

The EU study on Kenya Tourism Diversification and Development programme (KTDDP) of 1999 reiterated the need for tourism area plans None of these plans were implemented Lack of a proper institutional framework and legal structure Enactment of the tourism Act 2011 and national tourism policy gives the sector a lifeline

A geographical region or area that is recognized as having common and unique environmental or cultural characteristics. Such an area has the capability of independently attracting tourists and can run across administrative boundaries. Examples in Kenya include North Rift region, Mt. Kenya Region, Kenya Coast etc.

S/No. Region Counties 1. North Rift Turkana, West Pokot, Transnzoia, E. Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Baringo,Nandi, Samburu 2. Western Bungoma, Busia, Kakamega, Vihiga 3. Nyanza Siaya, Homabay, Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Kisumu 4. South Rift Bomet, Nakuru, Kericho, Narok, Kajiado 5. Coast Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu, Mombasa 6. Eastern Machakos, Kitui, Makueni 7. Central Kiambu, Nairobi, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka, Meru, Laikipia 8. North Eastern Marsabit, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa

an overall coordinated arrangement for the rational exploitation of tourism areas

Develop tourism so that its natural and cultural resources are indefinitely maintained. Provide a physical structure which guides the location, types and extent of tourism development of attractions, facilities, services and infrastructure. Integrate tourism into the overall development policies and patterns of the region Lay the foundation for effective implementation of the tourism development policy and continuous management of the tourism sector

Morocco s Plan Azur - managed to raise tourist arrivals from about 3m to 10 million in 10 years Spain- successfully implemented the concept of regional planning and revitalized the tourism sector to be among the leading destinations globally. (Spain did not have a concise plan till 1990)

Proposed demarcation of the country into 8 regions Demarcation will enable regions develop their own unique brands Stakeholders propose Samburu to be enjoined The project will take a phased approach North Rift has been earmarked to pioneer the process The North Rift plan will be applied as a standard model to the seven remaining regions

The region is well organized in terms of tourism trade associations (NRTA) Good in collation of tourism data (tourism guide) Organized collaborative mechanisms between counties i.e. North Rift tourism forum Has unique attractions covering vast lands most of which appear to be unspoilt by human development Pre-feasibility study revealed counties are ready to support the process.

County 2012 2014 % change No. of hotels No. of beds No. of hotels No. of beds (bed capacity) Uasin Gishu 99 2,492 133 3,858 54.82% Transnzioa 33 473 42 867 45.44% Nandi 12 184 16 253 37.5% E. Marakwet 4 62 8 311 80.06% W. Pokot 9 136 13 190 39.70% Turkana 10 121 13 196 61.98% Total 167 3,468 225 5,655 63.06% Tour operators: show 45.46% change for the period and restaurants (18.8%). Tourist arrivals through EIA have also shown an increase since 2004 with a slight slump in 2009 then gradual growth.

Formulate guidelines for development of tourism regional plans Sensitize stakeholders on development of tourism regional and area plans Identify existing area plans in the region e.g. KWS conservation area plans Identification of required resources Formulate a well integrated regional tourism plan for the region

County governments Local communities Tourism players Tourism Regulatory Authority The local and international tourism industry Kenya Tourism Board

1) Constitution of the project steering committee 2) Formulation of guidelines for development of tourism regional plans 3) Feasibility studies 4) Stakeholder consultative workshops 5) Formulation of the tourism regional plan 6) Stakeholder validation workshops 7) Implementation of the plan 8) Monitoring and evaluation

Existing area plans in the region identified and adopted (prior) Integrated tourism regional plan for the North Rift region developed Geographical spread of tourism benefits Effective management of tourism carrying capacities in the region Well coordinated tourism development

This is a technical undertaking Requires partnership in meeting project costs Timelines Plan to be completed by end of 2015 Implementation to start by January 2016 Monitoring and evaluation to progress from 2016 onwards

Set up a technical team Finalize the concept note Seek funding Develop the regional plan

rkimaiga@yahoo.co.uk ruthkimaiga@tourismauthority.go.ke