Nominations Close as Leading Tourism Businesses in Competition for Kenya Tourism Awards 2012
Author: Imelda Ndomo
Date: 26 Apr 12
The organizers of Kenya Tourism Awards, Kenya Tourism Federation and Kenya Tourist Board, announce nominations for the second edition of the prestigious awards closed on 31st March 2012. In its second year, the awards have attained immense support from the industry and the media, and this is reflected in the strong entries received. As earlier stated, this year, there was no extension to the nominations deadline. Therefore, only the organizations that submitted their entries within the allowed time are in competition for the awards. This year is characterized by strong entries in both the tourism award categories and the media award categories. The high level of competition registered is invaluable as it complements the goal of the awards, to promote excellence in sustainable tourism. As outlined in Vision 2030, tourism plays a key role in the country's economic growth. It is thus important that the sector embrace best practice and strategies to ensure it realizes the sector goals set out in Vision 2030. Kenya Tourism Awards is one key strategy that will spur sector growth through improved standards and sustainable practices, as well as a marketing opportunity for the sector that will support increased appeal, arrivals and tourism earnings. Kenya Tourism Awards recognize excellence in various disciplines in the local tourism sector, with 9 award categories, including media awards. As earlier announced, judging for KETA 2012 is handled by an independent audit firm. Following the close of nominations, the nomination submissions have already been handed over to the audit firm to begin work on judging. Judging is scheduled to take place in the month of May. Introduced this year into the judging process, there will be site visits to verify nomination information and how nominees meet the award criteria. The site visits will take place in the first, second and third weeks of May. KETA 2012 will culminate in a gala evening bringing together tourism stakeholders, prominent Kenyan personalities, the media and members of the public to recognize and celebrate the sector's collective achievements in sustainable tourism, as well as recognize individual excellence. The gala is scheduled for June. The theme of KETA 2012 is ‘Sustain, Diversify, Celebrate Tourism' | 
