By MKT Correspondent
The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has warned tourism stakeholders and the public against engaging unlicensed tourism operators, saying the practice exposes visitors to fraud, undermines legitimate businesses and threatens Kenya’s reputation as a leading tourism destination.
In a public advisory issued ahead of the country’s peak tourism season, the Authority directed all tourism enterprises to transact only with businesses holding valid TRA licences in compliance with the Tourism Act, 2011.
The advisory applies to accommodation facilities, tour operators, travel agents, destination management companies, online travel platforms and tourist transport operators.
TRA said licensed tourism enterprises must verify the licensing status of their business partners before making payments, referrals or entering into commercial agreements.
The Authority further cautioned that no licensed tourism enterprise should pay commissions, referral fees, incentives or any other form of remuneration to any person or entity required to be licensed under the law unless they hold a valid TRA licence.
“Licensed tourism enterprises, tourists and the general public should insist on being provided with a valid TRA licence before making any commission or referral payment, verify that the licence is current and corresponds to the enterprise presenting it, refrain from entering into commercial arrangements with unlicensed tourism enterprises, and report suspected unlicensed tourism operations to the Authority,” the advisory stated.
TRA noted that dealing with unlicensed operators violates tourism laws and could attract regulatory action.
The Authority warned that illegal operators not only create unfair competition for compliant businesses but also expose tourists to substandard services, financial losses and safety risks.
Kenya has in recent years intensified efforts to professionalise the tourism industry through stricter licensing, inspections and enforcement measures aimed at improving service quality and protecting visitors.
The tourism sector remains one of Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earners, with the government banking on improved regulation, product diversification and aggressive marketing to sustain growth in international arrivals and domestic tourism.
TRA urged stakeholders who are uncertain about the validity of a licence to seek verification through its online licence verification portal or contact the Authority before entering into any business arrangement.
Director-General Norbert Talam reaffirmed the Authority’s commitment to protecting visitors, supporting compliant tourism enterprises and maintaining high standards of quality, professionalism and accountability across Kenya’s tourism industry.
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