Tourism stakeholders in the South Rift region are now rooting for the promotion of business tourism in the region in a bid to boost local revenue collections in the counties.
The stakeholders observed that apart from the Wildlife Safaris and Culture tourism that brings huge returns in the region, there was need to exploit the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) to earn more revenue for the counties.
They spoke during a public participation forum on the proposed draft on National Tourism Policy and Tourism Amendment Bill held in Narok town that brought together stakeholders from Narok, Nakuru, Kericho and Bomet counties.
Philip Ole Kilesi, a hotelier in Narok town, said the growth of business tourism translates to the growth of urban centres, which has a multiplier effect. "We want tourists who visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve to first stop in Narok, hold meetings, enjoy our fresh food before proceeding to the national reserve.
