Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have concluded
talks in Arusha aimed at revitalising the tourism sector in the region.
Several issues, which have been outstanding between the three countries
and were previously a source of conflict, were addressed.
Kenya and Tanzania agreed to fully implement a bilateral agreement
signed between the them in 1985. The agreement spells out how tour
operators will conduct their business across the borders. It also
outlines the drop and pick up points for tourists visiting both
countries.
The two countries agreed to hold a bilateral meeting in the coming
months to update the agreement so as to incorporate emerging issues.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Kenya and Uganda held exploratory
talks to prepare for a proposed bilateral meeting between the two
countries, which will lead to the signing of an bilateral agreement on
tourism and wildlife management.
Leaders of delegations from the three countries said their
governments are committed to lasting co-operation in the promotion of
tourism and protection of wildlife in the region.
"The aim is to build a better business environment between our
countries. Some of the measures we will institute may require to be
aligned to the laws of our countries after which more bilateral
agreements will follow," said Tanzania's Tourism minister Lazaro
Nyalandu.
Kenya's Tourism Secretary Phyllis Kandie sais Kenya is committed to
developing and marketing East Africa region as a single destination.
She said Kenya supports a joint regional anti-poaching initiative as
it is only through such co-operation that the region can ensure natural
resources conservation and wildlife protection and attain sustainable
tourism development.
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