DIANI, KWALE — The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Tourism, John Ololtuaa, has announced the government's initiative to implement a national hotel classification program during the 2024/2025 financial year, aimed at enhancing the tourism sector's competitiveness and attractiveness to tourists.

According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at the 20th symposium for the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) in Diani, the classification program will evaluate all accommodation types including hotels, lodges, tented camps, and apartments based on the East African Community (EAC) criteria established in 2009. This initiative is designed to standardize the quality of accommodation facilities throughout the region. "Classification is essential because it gives hotels the mark of quality and makes it easy for visitors to know what we have," Ololtuaa stated.

The program's introduction is part of a broader strategy by the Kenyan government to increase tourist numbers significantly. The tourism sector has shown notable growth, jumping from 1.4 million tourists in 2022, generating Sh268 billion, to an anticipated 2 million tourists this year. "Our aim and focus is to grow the number of tourists from the current 2 million to probably 3 million by the end of this year and by 2027 to 5 million tourists," Ololtuaa added, emphasizing the sector's reliance on private sector investment and infrastructure development.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani supported the national efforts, outlining local initiatives in Kwale County to enhance tourist experiences. Investments include the development of beach access, safety enhancements, and the establishment of a Conference and Cultural Centre named Bomas of Kwale. "We also intend to put up a tourist market in Diani. In addition, we are optimistic in developing Kongo Beach into a Halal Beach to boost religious tourism," Governor Achani explained.

Chris Musau, KAHC Chairman, also highlighted the allocation of significant funds to the Tourism and Tourism Promotion Funds in the latest budget, urging further expansion of airport capacity and construction of convention centers to accommodate growing tourist numbers.

The State Department of Tourism is collaborating with various government departments to enhance infrastructure and legislative environments, ensuring that Kenya remains a top tourist destination in Africa.