On Tuesday, October 20, the East Africa Tourism Platform (EATP), the leading private sector organization for tourism in the region, advocated for unified reopening protocols among partner states. The objective is to facilitate travel for both East Africans and international tourists, enabling them to explore the region’s attractions and discover its hidden gems.

This appeal was made during a press conference in Kigali, following the transition of the EATP secretariat’s host from the Kenya Tourism Federation to the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism. Fred Odek, the incoming chairperson, emphasized the importance of harmonized protocols, particularly in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic. He stressed the need for consistency in testing and isolation measures across the region to create a conducive environment for travel and, consequently, business.

Odek highlighted that the platform aims to streamline protocols without imposing stringent conditions, ultimately facilitating travel within East Africa. The emphasis is on easing travel restrictions to promote business activities.

The EATP encourages East Africans to explore travel opportunities within their countries and the region. Susan Ongalo, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Federation, emphasized the focus on “regional domestic tourism,” where people utilize national IDs for travel.

The incoming host, the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, is seen as a significant step in revitalizing the EATP. Odek underlined the need to address challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic to revive the tourism industry.

The platform collaborates with industry stakeholders to navigate the recovery process from the impact of Covid-19. David Butera, Programme Manager at TradeMark East Africa, emphasized the crucial role of cooperation in determining the future of regional tourism.

Frank Mugisha, Director General of the Rwanda Chamber of Tourism, expressed readiness to elevate the regional tourism platform to new heights. Plans include developing special tour packages covering airfare, attractions, and accommodation with attractive rates.

Prior to the pandemic, tourism contributed significantly to the economies of East African Community (EAC) partner states, accounting for 8.1% of GDP, 17.2% of export earnings, and employing approximately 1,278,000 direct and 1,981,000 indirect jobs. The sector now faces a substantial decline, with a projected 92% reduction in cash flows due to Covid-19, as reported by the East Africa Business Council.

Recognizing the shift away from traditional key source markets, the regional platform places importance on national ID and expatriate travel. Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania have earned the “safe travels” designation from the World Travel and Tourism Council, emphasizing their commitment to global health and safety standards.