Tourism is a rapid revenue generator and an engine for employment creation and development- but it most be undertaken in a carefully planned and responsible way to ensure sustained long term gains.

From a historical perspective, Kenya has seen the damaging effects that unregulated and unplanned tourism can have. In the 1970’s and 80’s Kenya experienced a period of rapid development based on high volume, low yield tourism that began to damage the infrastructure, natural and cultural resources upon which it relied.

By the 90’s the country developed a reputation as a mass market destination offering a cheap, limited set of products. Ultimately the strained infrastructure and incidents of insecurity, combined with the sudden increase of strategic marketing plans by competing destinations began to impact on visitor numbers- and the low yield business model became impractical.

The resulting situation was disastrous, with far reaching economic impact on the entire country.

TTF recognizes the importance of research, strategy and planning before the implementation of tourism initiatives, at both a national and regional level.

To this end we support the creation of Tourism Area management plans, and have also supported the drafting of a National Tourism policy.