SUSTAINABLE TOURISM – PATH TO DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH

Danson Matekwa | March 2020

Tourism and the hospitality industry have a big role to play in the actualization of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development by integrating sustainability in tourism policies, business practices and tourist behaviours. The sector’s contribution to job creation is specifically recognised in sustainable development goal (SDG) 8, target 8.9; “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products”. Tourism is also targeted in SDG 12 on Sustainable Consumption and Production, and SDG 14 on sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Tourism’s role in job creation is often undervalued. This is despite the total contribution of Travel & Tourism to employment, including jobs indirectly supported by the industry being 9.0% of total employment – 1,172,247 jobs in Kenya (WTTC, 2018).Tourism is a major source of employment because of its labour-intensive nature and the significant multiplier effect on employment in related sectors (UNWTO, 2019). 

According to the Kenya Economic Survey 2019, Kenya’s unemployment rate was 9.3% in 2018 (KNBS, 2019). The tourism sector has the potential to contribute towards bridging this gap, particularly in an inclusive manner since it employs more womenand young people than most other sectors. Tourism Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are also an important source of innovation and economic diversification, helping to shape socioeconomic development. Furthermore, tourism creates jobs in rural and remote areas, not only directly but also indirectly through the preservation and restoration of traditional activities. Often it is one of the few viable economic sectors in these areas. 

Despite these opportunities, there still exist a number of loopholes that need to be addressed in order to make the sector a more sustainable avenue for economic growth. There is need to improve working conditions and pay, especially for youth and women. With the emergence of technology as another major driving force in the sector, there is also need to reflect the ongoing advances in technology for sustainability and profit maximization purposes. 

In addressing the above concerns, a holistic approach, where both the private and the public sectors are involved, must be embraced. Green Key promotes equitable employment and offers a platform for the development of local entrepreneurship.

References 

United Nations World Tourism Organisation (2019). World Tourism Day 2019: ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’ – Background Note.

Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2019). Kenya Economic Survey 2019.

World Travel & Tourism Council (2018). Travel and Tourism: Economic Impact 2018 – Kenya.