The East African Legislative Assembly, while conducting its third session held in Kampala / Uganda last week, passed the long awaited tourism and wildlife bill, which also now facilitates the setting up of an East African Tourist Board, under which joint promotions can be carried out to finally bring to the forefront the nearly 10 year old theme ‘East African; one destination with many attractions’.
The newly passed bill also caters for the setting up of a joint commission, which is in the future to coordinate and harmonize in all matters concerning tourism and wildlife management, from legislation over the regulatory framework to policies and of course bringing under one roof the member states promotional campaigns and tourism and hospitality training.
Notably though, none of the legislators approached would be drawn into the simmering conflict over the opening, or continued closure, of the Bologonja border post between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, referring queries to officials of the respective member states. Said one in response to the question: ‘I think this may be a bilateral matter, so EAC would not get involved unless asked to mediate’.
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