Tourism CS Malonza challenges sculptors to embrace technology

Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Penina Malonza has challenged cultural artisans to embrace technology if they are to attract the current generation of tourists.

Speaking yesterday at Akamba Handicraft in Changamwe, Mombasa, the CS said advances in technology have spurred a transformation in the sector and redefined the needs of tourists as far as cultural artefacts are involved.

“Most of our crafts are not selling in a way that we expect them to. This already tells us that we are steps behind in innovations and creativity. We need to come up with ways that will promote our culture and heritage while creating revenue for the industry and the nation,” she said.

Through her office, the CS promised the artisans a website that will be used to house their products on the online platform as well as equip them with marketing skills that will spur the sector’s growth.

“Digitization in tourism presents opportunities for you to expand your market reach, increase growth, improve operational efficiencies, and sharpen your competitive edge in the industry.

“If you look around, a good number of business and leisure travellers are active users of online platforms, it is to our advantage if we have our products in the limelight, for easy accessibility and to put in good competition with other artisans from different nations” the CS added.