Webinar Alert! Conservation and Tourism Linkages

Kenya Tourism Federation Webinar

Topic: Tourism now and looking ahead – Conservation and Tourism Linkages

Date: Wednesday 10th June 2020

Time: Starting at 2:30 PM

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused devastating effects in the tourism industry at both global, regional and local levels. Conservation and community elements that have been inextricably linked to tourism for many years are now under threat as a result of these unprecedented events. It is on this background that Kenya Tourism Federation has organized a webinar focusing on the topics briefly described below;

Broad overview of conservation in Kenya

The importance of conservation to tourism cannot be overstated. Kenya is endowed with breathtaking rangelands, which are home to a wide array of wildlife such as lion, elephant and rhino among others. Every year, Kenya receives thousands of guests who come to see these wildlife species, generating revenue for our economy. Part of the revenue generated helps in management of the protected areas such as national parks and conservancies. It is important to understand the overview of Kenya’s protected area system and its linkages with private and community lands, costs of wildlife conservation and the challenges of financing conservation during and post-COVID period.

Linking conservation, communities and tourism

Tourism has always played a critical role in community development by diversifying and boosting local economies in some of Kenya’s most marginalized areas. At the same time, local communities have leased lands, increasing the wildlife habitat and maintaining the ecosystem integrity. This webinar therefore provides an opportunity to understand the genesis of conservancies and current stages of evolution, contribution of tourism to conservation outside Kenya’s Protected Area System, socio-economic development of communities living with wildlife and challenges affecting sustainability of conservancies. In addition, it will also provide thoughts on the way forward and priority actions that various actors need to implement to strengthen the conservancy management model, as well as the future of conservancies during and post COVID-19 pandemic.

Impact of COVID-19 on safari guiding

Tour guides have been at the heart of safaris in our tourism destinations for many years, combining their experience, passion and commitment to responsible tourism to create memorable safari experiences for guests. This topic will therefore provide more insights on the role of safari guides on tourism and conservation, impact of COVID-19 pandemic on tour guiding businesses, and address the way forward with regard to safari guiding.

Implementation of the Single use Plastic Ban in Protected Areas

Following the coming into effect of the ban on single use plastic in protected areas such as National Parks, beaches and forests, tourism operators are all required to comply. This topic will address the negative impacts of single use plastic in protected areas, categories of single-use plastics that are subject to the ban and sustainable alternative solutions that businesses can adopt in their operations.

As the world adjusts to life in lockdowns, these topics are crucial in ensuring sustainability in the tourism and hospitality industry not only in the present but also in the future. It is therefore our hope that you will be part of this important conversation.

Register here – https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2SiYdsZyQOip8WpoohBfyQ

 

Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Launches Virtual Tourism

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala on June 2nd 2020, officially launched a virtual Safari live stream campaign to showcase game safaris in some parks and reserves across the country. The campaign will go on for six weeks across the country and will be part of the ongoing Magic Awaits campaign led by the Kenya Tourism Board.

“This venture which begins here at the Nairobi National Park will allow us to document our diverse wildlife in the National Parks and game reserves, thrilling adventures, beautiful lodges, and unique cultures and conservation projects that Kenya has become world-famous for. We shall be live streaming and sharing this content every week to bring Kenya to Kenyans and to the world at large,” CS Najib Balala said.

Read more about Tourism opportunities in the ‘new normal environment’

 

PR Team

Ecotourism Kenya

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How Hotels in Kenya are geared up for the Single Use Plastic Ban Implementation

Today June 5th Kenya joins the rest of the world to mark the World Environment Day but uniquely so, the ban on single-use plastics (SUPs) in protected areas comes into effect!

As responsible tourism operators, members of Ecotourism Kenya were not taken by surprise by the announcement of the SUP ban one year ago by HE President Uhuru Kenyatta while he was addressing the plenary session of the Women Deliver 2019 Conference in Vancouver, Canada.  To ensure enforceability of the announcement, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala through a gazette notice gave the industry up to 5th June 2020 to prepare for the implementation of the ban. As leaders in responsible tourism practices, our members have been practicing the 3Rs of sustainability with measures to monitor and reduce all forms of waste generated at their facilities. Responsible tourism calls for commitment in promoting best practices that are good for the environment, good for business and good for the welfare of the local people.

The adverse effect of poor management and disposal of single-use plastics on the environment is not in question.  In recent years, there has been a global effort to come up with alternatives so as to minimize these impacts. Perhaps the three most important questions that tourism businesses are confronted with include: which single-use plastics have been listed in the ban? What are these negative impacts? And what are the alternatives to single-use plastics that business can adopt for use in their operations. This week we will provide answers to these questions and highlight measures taken by Eco-Certified accommodation facilities in Kenya, as a showcase for best practices and to provide sustainability knowledge and inspiration to other tourism businesses who need to comply with the ban.

 Query one: Which Single-use plastics have been listed in the ban?

The Kenyan government through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry has been in consultation with stakeholders including the plastic manufacturers and has released a Single Use Plastic Implementation Plan.  According to this document, the list of plastics not allowed in protected areas include: PET bottles, disposable cutlery (forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, straws and beverage stirrers), non-woven plastic carrier bags, cigarettes with plastic filters, plastic cotton bud sticks, expanded polystyrene (EPS) beverage containers, crisps packets, sweet wrappers, confectionary wrappers, sanitary items such as diapers (does not include sanitary pads), lollipop sticks, wet wipes, single use plastic dental flosser, single-use toiletries packaged in plastics such as soaps, lotions or shampoos.

Given that Kenya is a safari destination and most tourists to the parks and conservancy areas prefer spending at least one full day in the wilderness tracking the Big 5, hotels, camps and lodges will have to move with speed to ensure the packaging of picnic lunch boxes adhere to the provision of the ban.

 Query Two: What are the negative impacts of single-use plastics in our protected areas?

The ban on single-use plastics refers to those plastics that are used once then disposed.  Within protected areas, they are either generated directly by visitors and accommodation facilities or indirectly through storm waters from residential areas upstream.

From a biodiversity perspective, improper disposal of plastics along the shores of water bodies such as rivers, lakes and oceans can have adverse impacts on fish, turtles and other organisms. Usually, these living organisms mistake ocean plastic for plastic food or become entangled in them. The ingested plastics then fill their stomachs, preventing them from feeding anymore and potentially leading to their death.

Further, a throw-away culture where wastes such as plastics are disposed of in municipal dumpsites has been engrained in our day-to-day operations for many years. It is important to pause and reflect on this action, because it has had adverse impacts on ground water and surface water resources which provide us with drinking water. The plastic that is disposed has no ability to degrade but rather photodegrade into small micro-plastics which cause water pollution. In areas where there is inadequate supply of treated water, residents usually depend on the water bodies which may be contaminated leading to health effects such as cancer.

Query Three: What are the Alternatives to Single-use Plastics that Business can adopt?

Unlike the COVID-19 which descended on us unawares with no prior knowledge of how to tackle it, the plastic problem has been part of our conversation as responsible tourism operators for a while.  For those who want to adapt to the no zero plastic in their operations, resources are available such as the Ecotourism Kenya Green Directory and international organizations such as Travel without Plastic.

Within our destination, tourism operators can take important steps to reduce the generation of single-use plastic from their operations. Some of the measures include:

Use of refillable water bottles

At the 2019 Ecotourism Kenya annual general meeting, we had a ‘bring your own bottle’ theme and we witnessed the many tourism operators who had already introduced the refillable bottles as an alternative to single use plastic bottles for their guests.  Just before COVID-19 happened, the Kenya Association of Tour Operators was working on modalities to import in bulk refillable water bottles for use by their guests.  Whether the refillable bottle comes at an extra cost to the guest and therefore making our destination more expensive is a debatable issue

 

 

Examples of refillable aluminium water bottles given to guests for use during their stay by Uniglobe Lets Go Travel, Eco Adventures Limited, Elewana Collection and Sunworld Safaris among others. They can carry them away as souvenirs at the end of their stay

 

 

Use of paper, bamboo or stainless steel straws

Paper straws and bamboo straws have in the recent years emerged as sustainable alternatives to plastic straws. This is due to their ability to biodegrade. The use of stainless steel straws is also becoming popular since they can be used more than once but requires proper hygiene.

Use of paper straw at Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge – July 2019

Use of refillable liquid soap containers

The use of plastic miniature shower gels, lotions and shampoos have been a common phenomenon in establishments such as hotels. This practice not only leads to wastage of the toiletries but also increases generation of plastic waste. However, in the recent years it has been quite encouraging to see refillable liquid soap containers being used in most ecorated camps and lodges in Kenya as an alternative.

The measures above are just a few examples of alternatives you can adopt for use in your operations. For more information regarding proposed alternatives to the banned single-use plastics, we encourage you to read page thirteen of the Single-use Plastic Implementation Plan.

If you wish to know about our Eco Certification scheme or for any queries or support on how you can manage plastic and all other forms of waste at your accommodation facility, please drop us an email on standards@ecotourismkenya.org.

 

Ecotourism Kenya is currently updating the Green Directory of green products and services to ensure it remains your first point of reference for your tourism and hospitality procurement.

#StaySafe #BeatPlasticPollution #ZeroPlasticWaste #Ecotourism #ResponsibleTourism

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ECOTOURISM OPERATORS IN KENYA RISING ABOVE THE COVID-19 CHALLENGE

This is a series of case studies that demonstrate how Kenyan responsible tourism operators are coping with the effects COVID-19

Tourism operators are grappling with the effects of COVID-19 on travel, jobs, protection of wildlife and safeguarding livelihoods that depend on the industry for survival. While there is no denying the global pandemic is here with us, we will highlight the Ecotourism Kenya members who have risen above it and are creating ripples of positivity and sustainability.  This will be in a series of bi-monthly case studies featuring our membership with a call for support.

#1: SUNWORLD SAFARIS

A Ray of Positivity in the Face of Covid-19

Name of Project: Community Wildlife Fund (CWF)

Founder: Gabriele Nowark – Director – SunWorld Safaris

Location of Project: Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo regions

Funds mobilized: USD 20,000 as at May 2020

Sunworld Safaris, who also run the Gold rated Mara Bush Camps, has started a project called the Community Wildlife Fund (CWF) – an initiative to support communities and protect Kenya’s Wildlife.

The CWF project was born out of the current crisis in the tourism industry in Kenya. Our tourism sector is heavily reliant on wildlife and local communities. These two factors are the key to success of our safaris. With no tourists coming in a concoction of problems starts to cook. One, the adjacent communities that earn their living from tourism activities become financially strained. We are talking of an abrupt job loss on a massive scale of community scouts, guides, drivers, naturalists, artisans, service staff in lodges and camps etc. Second, lack of human traffic in the wildlife protection areas presents a ripe opportunity for poaching activities. Let us not forget the children in these areas, who like every other child in Kenya are facing challenges due to the interruption in their education

How it works

The project is anchored on collecting funds from well-wishers who donate to the CWF fund. The fund is promoted through scenic, high quality live broadcasts, shot from various locations in the parks and reserves. This unique approach, keeps potential tourists connected with Kenya and keeps our tourism sector alive, albeit in a small way. We believe this could also be therapeutic in this lockdown period as it offers a mental escape from being cooped up in the house.  The movement of the vehicles in the park solve one of the problems highlighted above by deterring poachers in these areas. It also presents another solution of keeping in employment some drivers and guides. The money collected is used to purchase the most important / basic food items such as maizemeal, beans, lentils, rice, sugar, tea leaves, as well as soap and masks. The funds will also be used to support the local children in their education by providing gadgets and data bundles to access E-learning platforms such as the Kenya Education Cloud.

The project was envisioned to be implemented in the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and Tsavo regions. The intention is to support about 500 households by the time of completion. The CWF project is initially intended to provide support to communities for a period of 6-8 months, until some form of tourism resumes in the country. However there are some long term objectives, especially with regards to supporting conservation education for the local children.

The Success so Far

For a vision this big, it has taken hours of dedicated work and input to realize and get traction. So far the project has raised over 20,000 USD and supported communities in Maasai Mara and Lake Magadi regions.  The project purchased food care packages and masks for 200 households in Oloochurra Village & Ntamejo Village as well as one distribution in Lake Magadi.

The project is also looking into other various components to engage the local children in conservation from an early age. They include educating the children on conservation matters through an online platform tailored in the local Maa language and game drives for the local children (how exciting!)

Though the progress has been good so far, the project has also encountered some challenges as follows:

  • Due to the risks posed by Covid-19, restriction on movement in certain areas has been imposed and it is more difficult to get permissions and endorsements from official authorities to travel or distribute food freely to the communities;
  • In adequate accommodation for guides in / around parks / reserves / communities as most camps/hotels are not operational due to low business;
  • Creating awareness on the need to make a change and sustain our wildlife / community for the long term as this may be a golden opportunity!
  • Mobilizing funds is also difficult during this time as many people throughout the world face financial difficulty and there are many charities to support;
  • Flooded parks / inaccessible roads / broken bridges to reach communities.

Take part in the CWF project

The CWF is currently working with a number of partners within the industry, including; Extrakt Travel, Wild Focus Expeditions, Viewfinders, African Springs Safaris and Mara Bush Camp. The project needs the support of more partners in the industry to make an even greater impact. You can be part of this project by offering a financial donation or accommodation / food donations / masks but also by sharing details of this project locally and internationally on social media / YouTube etc.

Your donation to this cause with support all the key aspects of the project. The Fund will cover costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, salaries, park fees where necessary, accommodation & food for the guides as well as food donations to the local communities surrounding the reserves / parks as well as education materials for the children in the villages.

If you would like to be a part of this kindly contact the project lead directly on: info@community-wildlife.org or gabriele@sunworldsafaris.com. You can also get more information, follow the progress and positive impact of the project from their website and social media pages on:

Web-site: www.community-wildlife.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/communitywildlifefund/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/community_wildlife_fund/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FundCwf

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM42pX3Q3QlxJu1AH6mx5mQ

 

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Weekly Ecotourism Kenya News – 19/5/2020

Nairobi National Park Management Plan 2020 – 2030

The Nairobi National Park (NNP) management plan 2020-2030 is adopted and improved from the NNP management plan for 2005-2010; for ecological integrity, enhance visitor experience, enhance community benefits from wildlife, minimize human-wildlife conflicts and improve wildlife security.

The purpose of Nairobi National Park is to protect diverse critical habitats, especially highland dry forest, savannah and wetlands, and their associated species of conservation concern such as Rhinos and Lions for the benefit of present and future generations.

In the new plan, KWS wants to address 12 issues facing the only park in a city in the world. The issues are habitat loss and fragmentation in the dispersal areas, decline in the wildlife population, poaching, human-wildlife conflicts, alien and invasive species, pollution, mining and quarries. The others are climate change, low park visitation, increased urbanization, settlement threats on the sheep and goats ranch, and infrastructure development.

Ecotourism Kenya supports the subjection of the plan to public scrutiny as the park’s management is a concern to all of us. Following the directive by the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of tourism and wildlife Najib Balala to extend the review to allow public participation, kindly check the link here Nairobi National Park Draft Management Plan 2020-2030  and send your comments to Mr. Apollo Kariuki Head-Planning and Environmental Compliance, email: apollok@kws.go.ke by 30th June 2020.

 Webinar on Understanding Your Workforce –Tourism Businesses in Response to COVID-19 Series

The SheTrades in the Commonwealth project seven-part webinar series to support businesses in responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19 hits it’s 5th Episode this week. For the longest time, we have heard how human resource is the greatest asset that your business has! However the impact of covid-19 has exposed the human capital where most business had to give pay cuts, give unpaid leaves or worse… lay off.

Topic: Understanding Your Workforce

Date: Friday, 22nd May 2020

Time: 14.30hrs (EAT)

Register – CLICK HERE

Through this webinar you’ll get to understand how do you ensure that both you and your staff have a healthy relationship post the covid-19 trauma?  How do you build that broken relationship? How do you re-gain workforce loyalty and get the best output from them?

 Ksh20M for Plastic War, Government Indicates!

The Treasury has allocated Sh20 million to finance removal of plastics in the country’s protected areas as State steps up war on the non-biodegradable materials. The money has been allocated to environment and wildlife department to help clear the plastic bags in the financial year starting July 1.

The announcement comes as the country prepares to effect President Uhuru Kenyatta’s announcement on the ban of single-use plastics in beaches, national parks, forests and conservation areas. While addressing the opening plenary of Day 3 of the ongoing Women Deliver 2019 Conference, in Vancouver Canada, Uhuru said that the ban will take effect on June 5, 2020.

“Sustainable environment is a guarantee to a healthy, better and productive society. And that is why women and girls who are key victims of unsustainable practices must own this campaign as part of the gender equality campaign,” Uhuru said. Read more

WTTC unveils New Measures to Re-establish Confidence in Travel & Tourism

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) which represents the global Travel & Tourism private sector has unveiled a range of new worldwide measures to restart the sector. The measures have been designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so they can travel safely once the restrictions are lifted.

The new Safe Travels protocols provide consistency to destinations and countries as well as guidance to travel providers, operators, and travellers, about the new approach to health and hygiene in the post COVID-19 world. The health and safety of travellers and workers is put at the heart of the new global protocols, which have been drawn up by WTTC Members.

WTTC has divided the new guidance into five pillars including restarting operations, ensuring the traveller experience is safe and secure, rebuilding trust and confidence, innovation and implementing enabling policies. For more, CLICK HERE

 

 

PR Team
pr@ecotourismkenya.org
Ecotourism Kenya
Telephone:  +254 020 529 2078 Office Cell: +254 726 366080

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Weekly Ecotourism Kenya News – 12/5/2020

Invitation by Kenya Tourism Federation to the Travel and Tourism Webinar – Now and Looking ahead

The CEO Kenya Tourism Federation, Ms Susan Ongalo will be hosting today’s online conversation on Tourism: Now and looking ahead. One of the discussion topic is, what is the current situation of the tourism industry amidst increase of COVID 19 cases? What is the way forward? She’ll be joined by the following guests:

CS Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, Hon.Najib Balala – Chief Guest
Dr.Betty Radier – CEO, Kenya Tourism Board
Alex Avedi – CEO, Safarilink
Mohammed Hersi – CEO, KTF and moderator of today’s webinar.

Date: Tuesday, May 12 2020
Time: 02.30PM (EAT)
CLICK HERE to register.

2020 Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) Cancelled
Due to the escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) would like to inform you that the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE), which was to be held from 7 – 9 October 2020, has been cancelled. An alternative date will be communicated. The Kenya Tourism Board has carefully monitored the global health crisis related to COVID-19 and our top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in MKTE.

We appreciate all the exhibitors, hosted buyers, media, partners, and stakeholders who have continued to support MKTE.

4th Part of the Tourism Businesses in Response to COVID-19 Series
Travel and tourism statistics have widely suggested that post covid-19 travellers are more likely to travel closer to home and less likely to long-haul destinations. The 4th part of the SheTrades in the Commonwealth project seven-part webinar series to support businesses in responding to the challenges posed by COVID-19 is coming up this Friday.

Topic: Domestic and Regional Product Development
Date: Friday, 15th May 2020
Time: 14.30hrs (EAT)
Register – CLICK HERE

The Webinar will focus on the African context and majorly Intra-Africa travel. What does it mean to develop intra-Africa travel products? What can African destinations do to influence and encourage intra-Africa travel? And what does it mean in terms of possible figures? See you there!

Sarova Terminates Management of Her Tsavo Game Lodges
It is end of an era after the iconic Taita-Hills and Salt-Lick Games Lodges in Tsavo National Park become the first high-profile casualties of an economic slowdown in the tourism industry in Kenya following Sarova Group of Hotels’ announcement to terminate the contract of managing the two properties.

Sarova’s Managing Director Jimi Kariuki said the termination of the management of the two world-class facilities will take effect from July 1 this year. “From that date, they will no longer be operated under the Sarova portfolio,” reads the communication announcing the termination letter dated Wednesday May 6, 2020.

The lodges will be operational as the new management prepares to take over. We will keep you updated on any new outcomes.

World Travel Market (WTM) Africa announces new dates
WTM Africa have announced new dates for 2021 to be 7th – 9th of April. The event that occurs every year in Cape Town, South Africa could not happen this year due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

Claude Blanc, WTM Portfolio Director, said: “We are constantly reviewing the situation around COVID-19 and the impact on our events in line with local and national government and public health advice and World Health Organization guidelines. Our policies reflect those of the country governments in which our events take place.

Read more about – WTM AFRICA here.

How do we redesign tourism for a sustainable future?
The global impact of the coronavirus epidemic has stimulated some deep reflections, hard questions and stark realities of the world we live in. For the tourism sector, this unprecedented times offers an opportunity for introspection on what we need to do differently to practice responsible tourism.

The travel and tourism industry has recorded astonishing growth in recent years. However, as the world starts to travel again post COVID, it will be imperative to tap into empowering local tourism and ensuring pillars of sustainable tourism are in place. Strong community-based programs will help get us up and running again.

How can we redesign our industry to fit the changing world we will live in? And how can we adapt to the cultures of the communities we visit? Read more
 

PR Team
pr@ecotourismkenya.org
Ecotourism Kenya

#StaySafe  #TravelTomorrow #TheMagicAwaits

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WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER: FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE

THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK COULD BE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE FOR YOUR TOURISM BUSINESS

As a matter of fact, tourism industry is both the most vulnerable and in some way the least prepared to manage the risks of disease outbreaks. Guess what, after this wind passes, everyone will want to step out and reconnect with nature in a more sensible and cautious way. They will want to travel to destinations that will renew and restore their minds, bodies and hearts. They will want to take a tour with your company. So it’s time to look into how we move from here.

Take this relatively “low season” to build an unbreakable success wall for your business:

By committing to the following simple steps:

  1. Are you part of the Green Tour Project business coaching program?

Your coach is more than available to support you online, this is the time to complete that export marketing plan – Better Days are coming.

  1. Are you actively reporting on the Travelife online platform for your company’s commitment to sustainability as a tour operator?

Take advantage of this time – progress to that Travelife level you desire to attain. Become PARTNER; better yet, let ambition and positivity guide you to attain the prestigious CERTIFIED status – your competitive advantage on sustainability matters is incomparable.

3. Are you thinking of closing down? – DON’T DO IT!

When things get tough, the tough gets going. This is the time to stretch that muscle and evaluate how resilient your business can be. This situation is an eye opener for the future – build a resilient tourism business by developing an adaptation plan for your company.

  1. Are you working from home or totally nothing is going on?

This is the time to review your itineraries, products and services and strategize on how to diversify and innovatively improve them for quality visitor experience.

  1. Are you synergizing with others or you are sailing alone?

This is the time to realize the truth in the unity of the industry by working together with the government, industry stakeholders and the local communities where the destinations are. This is the way to contribute to destinations’ recovery, prosperity of your businesses and healing of the people.

 

Safety First!

Recovery Next :)

#GREENTOURKENYA

The RECOVERY phase from the COVID-19 Pandemic needs us all for it to be successful.

 

EK Project Team

programs@ecotourismkenya.org

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EXPERIENCE THE KAKAPEL CULTURAL CENTRE: “Gift from Our Ancestors”

A picture is worth a thousand words, but the rock art of Kakapel tell a story worth several thousand years. The rock art found in Kakapel in Teso land, Busia is believed to have been the work of the Abita/ Twa hunter gatherers during the historical migration period.

Kakapel provides a perfect destination for those looking for hard and soft adventures that are both educative and thrilling. Days can be spent marveling at rock paintings, or exploring caves, or visiting the Kakapel National Monument, which is surprisingly the only rock site in Kenya gazette as a national monument.

Click here to Read more .

 

 

Prepared by EK Community Programs Team.

programs@ecotourismkenya.org

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SEASON GREETINGS FROM ECOTOURISM KENYA

As the holiday season is upon us, we find ourselves reflecting on the past year and we wish to thank you for all the support you have accorded us.

It’s been a year of change, learning and taking on new adventures in the sustainability world. We hope that 2019 has been significant to you as well. We look forward to a better 2020 with you, filled with more learning experiences.

Please note our offices will remain closed  till 6th January 2020.

Have an Eco – friendly  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

Grace Nderitu | Chief Executive Officer
Ecotourism Kenya | KATO Place, 06 Longonot Road, Upper Hill,
P.O. Box 10146-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Office: +254 20 5292078 | 726 366080
Cell: +254 721 948802
Email: ceo@ecotourismkenya.org

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LEADERSHIP AND MENTORSHIP PROGRAM – JANUARY INTAKE

 

Thank you for the overwhelming response.

The training will commence in January 2020!

The final communication will be done before the training.

Happy Holidays!

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Travelife and Ecotourism Kenya sign new collaboration

Travelife for Accommodation and Ecotourism Kenya announce collaboration on accommodation sustainability certification

Travelife for Accommodation, an international accommodation sustainability certification scheme, and Ecotourism Kenya, a regional sustainability label, have signed an agreement to collaborate on certification for accommodation providers in Kenya.
This collaboration will enable Kenyan properties to achieve both the Ecotourism Kenya label and the internationally recognised Travelife Gold Certification after an onsite audit that will be conducted by auditors working for Ecotourism Kenya that have been specially trained by Travelife.

“By collaborating with Travelife, we are making it simpler for Kenyan accommodation providers to demonstrate their commitment to operating responsibly at an international and local level so that visitors to Kenya can rely on Travelife and Ecotourism Kenya certification.” said Grace Nderitu, CEO of Ecotourism Kenya.

Ecotourism Kenya member properties will now be able to join Travelife to access a variety of online tools and resources that will help them improve their sustainability performance. When they are ready, an onsite audit will be carried out by a Travelife Approved Auditor. If successful, they will receive both the Travelife Gold and Ecotourism Kenya labels. They will be listed on Travelife’s global consumer website, the Travelife Collection, and be highlighted to Travelife’s tour operator members.
This enables tour operators, travel agents and travellers to more easily identify sustainable accommodation providers in Kenya.

“We are delighted to announce this important collaboration with Ecotourism Kenya and look forward to welcoming new properties from Kenya to join our 1,500 Members around the world who are committed to sustainable business practices. Sustainability certification is a proven method for improving the environmental and social impacts of tourism and is the only way that an accommodation provider can independently verify their sustainability claims. We are confident that our work with Ecotourism Kenya will have a really positive impact in the region.” said Carolyn Wincer, Commercial Director for Travelife.

About Travelife for Accomodation

Travelife is an internationally recognised accommodation sustainability programme. In over 50 countries they have around 1,500 members who use their practical tools and resources to improve their business’s environmental, financial and social impact.
Containing a range of criteria that assess accommodation performance in the areas of human rights, labour, community engagement and environmental impacts, their GSTC-recognised standard was designed by the tourism industry, for the tourism industry. Their global team of independent auditors visit every property to conduct an audit against the Travelife Standard. Properties that meet these exacting standards receive a Travelife Gold Certification in the form of a logo and certificate that they use to show their commitment to responsible tourism. They are also listed on their consumer website, The Travelife Collection, and they work with leading UK and European tour operator members to promote Travelife Gold Members, making it easier for travellers to find sustainable accommodation options. For more information visit
www.travelifestaybetter.com.

Compiled by the PR Team

Ecotourism Kenya

Telephone:  +254 020 529 2078 Office Cell: +254 726 366080.

Website www.ecotourismkenya.org

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