East Africa: EAC Tour Operators Sign Deal

Arusha — Tension between Kenya and Tanzania tour operators is expected to reduce following a meeting in Arusha of the ministers responsible for Tourism, Wildlife Management, and EAC Affairs of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda recently.

According to a press release, in regard to the treatment of Tourist Driver Guides at the border crossings, the Ministers urged the Partner States to sensitize law enforcement officials and the general public on appropriate conduct when interacting so as to reduce incidences that may frustrate the smooth operations of the tourism sector.

They also urged Partner States to build the capacity of tour operators to appreciate the importance of security while operating in the region to reduce misunderstandings between the two sectors.

In addition, they also urged Partner States to engage the relevant Ministries to work out the modalities to develop frameworks to ensure smooth movement of the citizens of the EAC Partner States across borders and within improved to enhance intra-regional tourism.

With regard to 'Accessibility of Tourist Vehicles to Tourist sites in Partner States and Work Permit Fees for Tour Operators', the Ministers/Cabinet Secretary noted that in the Republic of Kenya, the use of the tourist vehicle sticker was under review due to changes in the Tourism Act. The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary urged Kenya to officially communicate the new changes in the regulations to all Partner States by 20th March, 2014.

And for the work permits, the Ministers/Cabinet Secretary noted that the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) had officially abolished the Carrying on Temporary Assignment Pass (CTA).

They urged Tanzania to officially communicate on this matter to Partner States by 20th March, 2014. Prior to July 2013, every non-citizen (including citizens of other Partner States) entering URT for the purpose of engaging in any lawful and gainful activities were subjected to pay a fee of $200 for a CTA.

Tanzania reported to the meeting that from July 2013 a directive was circulated to Immigration Officials at all entry points not to charge a fee of $200 for a CTA to citizens of the other Partner States.

The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary reiterated their commitment to promote cooperation in the tourism sector with a focus on regional integration, and agreed to engage in bilateral arrangements by reviewing or developing agreements.

In this regard, the Ministers urged Kenya and Tanzania to continue with the existing bi-lateral agreement on cooperation in tourism and also urged the two Partner States to meet bi-laterally to review the bi-lateral agreement on cooperation in tourism within six months.

They urged Uganda to develop bi-lateral agreements for cooperation in tourism with the other Partner States. The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary also urged Rwanda and Burundi to develop bi-lateral agreements for cooperation in tourism with the other Partner States.

The Ministers directed the Secretariat to coordinate the development of Regional Guidelines to manage tour operations in the EAC by July, 2014. The Secretariat was also urged to convene a regional meeting of the five Partner States involving Tour Operators Associations, Tour Guides, Wildlife Agencies, Tourist Boards, Security/Immigration, EATP and other stakeholders to consider the draft Regional Guidelines to manage tour operations by August, 2014.

The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary urged the Partner States to make additional commitments on the elimination of restrictions on the services in the Tourism sector; and as well as to expedite the liberalization of more services in the sector.

The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary urged Partner States to sensitize the investors of privately owned tourist facilities to apply EAC rates; and also urged Partner States to amend current legislations to ensure that privately owned vehicles belonging to citizens of the EAC Partner States are accorded local treatment while visiting tourist sites.

Cooperation in conservation of Flora and Fauna

The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary; urged Partner States to jointly consider regional cooperation in conservation of fauna and flora; urged Partner States to expedite the review of existing legislation to ensure that the Region's endangered wildlife resources are protected by December 2014; and included the cross border efforts in the Regional strategy to fight poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife, wildlife and forest products for consideration by the Sectoral Council Tourism and Wildlife Management.

The Ministers/Cabinet Secretary's recommendations will be submitted to the EAC Sectoral Council on Tourism and Wildlife Management for further action.