National Tourism Strategies represent the consensus of a wide consultative process involving those commercially engaged in tourism, non-governmental organizations, and government officials.
The strategy provides a framework for the mobilization of resources to realize long-term national objectives, including sustained economic growth, employment creation, poverty reduction, reduced income inequalities, gender equality, regional equity, and the promotion of economic empowerment.
Strategies cover several aspects of the economy, environment, and society as a whole. This is appropriate because the “footprint” of tourism permeates many areas. Tourists are temporary residents in the countries they visit and, as such, share with locals the benefits of services provided by all divisions of government.
Both tourists and nationals desire security, good roads, efficient transport services, comfortable accommodation, hygienic restaurants, good-value shopping, entertainment, efficient telecommunication services, and access to health services in the event of indisposition.
Core Values
Values define the ethos, personality, and soul of a destination, answering the question: what do we stand for? These values are enduring beliefs, ideals, and codes of conduct for our actions, setting the standards by which the destination is expected to operate. Usually, four to eight values are sufficient—powerful yet straightforward to remember.
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Respect
- Responsible Tourism
- Adaptability
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Service Excellence
Aim of the Strategy
The National Strategy on Tourism for the country aims to provide a framework for the mobilization of tourism resources to realize long-term national goals and the more specific targets of the National Tourism Plan. These include sustained economic growth, employment creation, reduced inequalities in income and gender, responsible tourism, quality service delivery across various regions, reduced poverty, and the promotion of economic empowerment.
The strategy formulation is guided by the vision of:
“A mature, sustainable, and responsible tourism industry contributing significantly to the economic development of the country and the quality of life of all her people, primarily through job creation, social inclusion, and economic growth.”
Building a New Paradigm in Tourism
Tourism is not a new phenomenon in many countries. It has evolved over the years on the domestic front, notwithstanding the absence of a specific written strategy. However, the Strategy is required because we are at a stage where important decisions need to be taken on the future of the sector. Its implementation would require significant focus from both the governmental and private sectors.
Strengthen Tourism Institutions
Support tourism board, tourism ministries, associations, corporates and training institutions
Enhance public private dialogue
Promote dialogue between tourism and trade stakeholders to improve policies at national and international level.
Enable Tourism Export Strategies
Integrate tourism Master Plans and strategies into an export oriented vision for the entire sector
Maximize Tourism Value Chain
Foster backward and forward linkages with local SMEs to create value in the local economy
Advance Tourism Statistics
Build capacity to advance the management of tourism statistics for better policy decisions