The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, has called for a “fertile policy environment” to accelerate the growth of Africa’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Speaking during the official opening of the Hotel Expo-Kenya and the Africa Food Show, Miano emphasized the critical need for a supportive framework to address the challenges facing the industry.

In her address, Miano highlighted the government’s commitment to enabling this environment through robust public-private partnerships, skills development, and digital transformation.

She noted that such collaborations are crucial for a sector that is increasingly becoming a “key driver of urban growth and economic resilience.”

However, she acknowledged that significant challenges remain. These include issues of infrastructure, security, and the need to embrace more innovative and sustainable practices in a highly competitive global market.

Miano’s vision for a resilient and responsible tourism sector hinges on putting local communities at the heart of tourism planning.

She urged industry players to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and artisans and to prioritize local sourcing.

This approach, she explained, not only strengthens communities but also enriches the authenticity of a destination’s offerings, which is what modern travelers increasingly seek.

The CS stressed that with the right collaborations and “forward-thinking approaches,” Africa can lead globally in creating sustainable and inclusive tourism models.

Her speech resonated with industry leaders who also called for a shift from traditional models to digitally-driven, green, and accessible tourism experiences.

This unified message underscores a concerted effort to transform the sector and meet the evolving expectations of global travelers.