Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala.[photo/uchaguzi.co.ke]

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Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has urged industry players to embrace new technology such as online travel and hotel booking portals to boost business during low seasons.

Balala said adoption of technology in the hospitality industry is yet to take root in some markets in the sector. 

“Other countries are making money by earning a pre-negotiated commission from hotels when customers book through online platforms, which makes the process efficient,” he said.

Speaking while making a presentation to the National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Culture, Balala also called on players to embark on creative innovations to open new markets.

“Failure to adopt innovation in our tourism businesses will have a negative impact on our tourism industry. We need to have strategic plans that will be of help to the tourism sector,” Balala said.

The CS said the ministry will closely work with counties to promote innovations aimed at boosting sector growth. “Different counties have their own tourism attractions and they should take advantage of them,” he added.

The national government will also be partnering with the counties to establish regional tourism councils so as to create synergies, guidance, and growth in the sector. 

“My ministry will work closely with county governments to boost and promote tourism opportunities in each region,” he said.

Balala urged all counties to ensure cleanliness and improve security so that Kenya’s image as an international tourist destination is not damaged. 

“Cleanliness, hygiene, and security need to be addressed and tackled so that we do not taint the country’s appeal,” Balala said.

The CS said it is important to have a coordinated way of promoting and branding the country as a tourism destination. 

“We have to make sure the whole country develops holistically. When it comes to infrastructure, we have to realign it with the economic benefits,” he added.