Strathmore University Centre for Tourism and Hospitality (CTH) in collaboration with African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW) hosted the 2nd African Conference on Sustainable Tourism (ACoST), discussing the theme; Green Tourism – Going Green in the Tourism Value Chain.
The two days event, saw academia, industry experts, tourism professionals and students tackle topics that included; Policy and Governance on Green Tourism; Trends and innovation on Green Tourism; Implications of Social Media and validation of Green Tourism; Enhancement of Sustainability of wildlife conversation and tourism; Diversifying tourism for equity and sustainability; Enhancement of tourism opportunities for Nairobi County; and Tourism product marketing.
Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service, Mr. Kitili Mbathi in his keynote address, highlighted the importance of conserving wildlife, stating that he is at the forefront in implementing policies that will protect wildlife and local tourism. Mr. Kitili also addressed the Nairobi National Park and railway construction matter, affirming that his focus is in aligning human needs and wildlife needs.
Dr. David Western, Chairman African Conservation Centre, discussed the importance of building a continental country. “We have to build Kenya to become a multiple destination, to be a continental destination in Africa. Ecotourism should focus on building communities and include them in building local tourism.”
The conference culminated with a Gala Dinner, African Theme, where delegates networked further and enjoyed the African feel, with a visit to the Crescent Island Nature Tour, Naivasha,on the day after the conference, allowing for delegates to have feel of Kenyan tourism.
