Helping to market East African countries as a single tourist destination
In February 2016, Professor Marina Novelli was invited by the East Affrica Tourism Platform (EATP) to facilitate a discussion on ‘Steering East Africa as a Single and Competitive Destination’ at Kigali, Rwanda. The forum addressed questions on the feasibility and viability of East Africa as one tourism destination and the sense it makes to key tourism stakeholders. The aim was to understand common challenges and agree on strategies.
The discussions led to the identification of the next steps of the EATP initiative which is supported by Trademark East Africa.
“I feel honoured to have been invited to facilitate the discussions, which took place over two very intense days in Kigali. It was a privilege for me to assist to what I would define ‘a new chapter in the history of stakeholders’ collaboration in tourism’, which will no doubt shape the future of successful tourism partnerships in the region for years to come” Professor Marina Novelli
East Africa Tourism Platform (EATP), established in July 2011, is a regional private sector body for tourism in East Africa, set up by TradeMark East Africa in 2011 after extensive consultations with tourism stakeholders, to facilitate active and focused engagement of the Private Sector in the East African Community (EAC) Regional Integration process.
EATP brings together the private sectors of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Burundi and works closely with nationalministries responsible for Tourism, Wildlife, Trade and Transport portfolios, the EAC Secretariat, East African Business Council and Private Sector Organisations in all EAC Partner states. It promotes intra and inter-regional tourism through advocacy, marketing, facilitating access to finance and risk management services, skills development, research and information sharing.
Kerry Burnett • 12/02/2016