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The tourism industry is critical to the growth of the economy and there is a need to enhance its promotion both locally and internationally, Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has reaffirmed.

Ololtuaa said tourism remains the cornerstone of Kenya’s wealth generating significant revenue, creating employment opportunities and showcasing “our” unique cultural heritage to the world.

Speaking during the graduation of 300 students at the city’s Boma International Hospitality College (BIHC), the PS called for concerted efforts among stakeholder and the state in promoting the industry.

The pioneer graduating students were from the third up-skilling programme facilitated by Tourism Fund (TF) through the Tourism Training Revolving Fund (TTRF) in partnership with BIHC.  Tourism Fund Board of Trustees Chairman Samson Some and Tourism Fund Chief executive David Mwangi praised the tourism industry’s contribution to the growth of the country’s economy.

 “A skilled and well-trained workforce is the lifeblood of this industry. The Tourism Training Revolving Fund signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant tourism sector,” Ololtuaa, said.

 According to the PS, “this innovative initiative provides financial assistance, ensuring wider access to training programs and empowering aspiring individuals like yourselves to enter or up skill within the tourism and hospitality industry.”

 The PS noted the Tourism Training Revolving Fund signifies the government’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant tourism sector.

 This innovative initiative provides financial assistance, ensuring wider access to training programs and empowering aspiring individuals like yourselves to enter or up skill within the tourism and hospitality industry.  Ololtuaa noted that TTRF’s inaugural graduation ceremony is a testament to a collaborative effort between the government, the tourism industry, and educational institutions.

 “This program is a beacon of hope, paving the way for a future where a skilled and empowered workforce drives the sustainable growth of Kenyan tourism.”

 Some, while regretting the limitation in financial resources that serve as a barrier impeding the achievement of growth and realization of goals within the tourism sector, he mentioned TTRF’s contribution towards the needy cases.

 “TTRF transcends the realm of financial instruments. It embodies a vision, a vision we share with esteemed institutions like BIHC. BIHC stands as a premier Pan-African hub for hospitality and culinary arts, fostering not only training and research, but also consultancy,” said Some.