1. TOURISM PROFESIONAL ASSOCIATION
Presented by Sam Ikwaye

2. Definition
A professional body is an organization which comprises of individual professions with a summative goal of seeking to further a particular profession, the interests of individuals engaged in that profession, and the public interest at large.

3. The need for a professional body
Every professional needs a place where they can associate with members of their profession for wholesome growth and development.
Professional bodies are necessary for :-
Integration-A professional body is key as it establishes a platform where different tourism industry players assimilate as one unit in an effort to offer services in an efficient and coordinated manner.
Improvement of standards-A professional body assists in maintaining and improving the standards of conduct and training of the hospitality and tourism profession in Kenya.

4. The need for a professional body
Knowledge-It can also be used to facilitate the acquisition of hospitality and tourism knowledge by hospitality and tourism practitioners.
Assisting the government and other bodies-Furthermore it is an avenue to assist the Government through the Ministry of Tourism , the regulatory, development and marketing of tourism bodies, Tourism and Hospitality Training Institutions, Tourism Financial bodies as well as the Tourism Fund in all matters affecting tourism in Kenya.

5. The need for a professional body
Representation-It represents, protects and assists Tourism and Hospitality practitioners in Kenya in respect of tourism industry standards, training, competency in the workforce and otherwise.
Boosting competency-A professional body will also assist in scraping out unqualified and incompetent personnel promoting competency and high standards in the tourism and hospitality workforce.
Property-Professional bodies are also used for acquisition, development and disposal of property, whether movable or immovable, and to derive capital or income there from, for the objects.

6. The need for a professional body
Money-It can also be used to raise or borrow money for all or any of the foregoing objects in such manner and upon such security as may from time to time be determined by the body.
Investment-Professional bodies serve as an opportunity to invest and deal with its money that is not immediately required in such manner as may from time to time be determined by the body.
Other objectives-Lastly, the body will be required nonetheless to do all such other things that are incidental or conducive to the attainment of all/or any of the foregoing objects.

7. Legislation
The Tourism Act 2011 is the legislation responsible for the development, management, marketing and regulation of sustainable tourism and tourism-related activities and services in Kenya.
Section 4 of the aforesaid statute establishes the Tourism Regulatory Authority while section 7 outlines its functions which involve inter alia:-
The development and implementation in consultation with relevant stakeholders, the criteria for standardization and classification of tourism facilities and services;

8. Legislation
The development and regulation in consultation with the ministry for the time being responsible for matters relating to education, tourism and hospitality curriculum, examination and certification
The development and implementation of a code of practice for the tourism sector
The development and implementation of high quality tourism sector;
Vet and recommend expatriates seeking employment in the tourism and hospitality sector;

9. Legislation
A Tourism and Hospitality professional body would complement the Tourism Regulatory Authority in the foretasted functions.
Notably, it would be better suited to handle some of the crosscutting functions alongside their specific globally accepted roles as professional bodies.
The body will also be efficient, time saving and effective for in implementing its mandates as the practitioners and stakeholders will all be registered under it.

10. Legislation
It is noteworthy that the Tourism Act lacks provisions to establish a Tourism and Hospitality professional body.
As such there was need for the enactment of a statute to establish and govern such a body.
This has since been provided for under the new TRA regulations.

11. Functions of a professional body
The professional body may have the following functions:-
Apply standardized and universal procedures for individual and corporate accreditation in terms of registration of all qualified tourism and hospitality practitioners.;
Set and assess professional examinations if necessary;
Devise, enforce and administer a comprehensive code of ethical standards and procedures to guide professional behavior;

12. Functions of a professional body
Provide support for Continuing Professional Development through learning opportunities and tools for recording and planning;
Publish professional journals or magazines;
Provide networks for professionals to meet and discuss their field of expertise;
Ensure members are well informed and knowledgeable about the latest elements and operational procedures of the strategic plans and professional projects being implemented in the tourism and hospitality industry.

13. Functions of a professional body
Provide career support and opportunities for students, graduates and the current workforce;
Oversee the development of training programmes and the certification of professional qualifications; and
Deal with complaints against professionals and implement disciplinary procedures;

14. Benefits of a professional body to its members
A professional body develops its existing members in the following ways:-
Networking opportunities
A professional body allows its members an opportunity to foster and deepen business relationships.
This is done through meetings with those who have common professional interests and similar business concerns thereby creating beneficial ties

15. Benefits of a professional body to its members
Exclusive online resources
Members are granted access to a variety of databases and message boards, as well as subscriptions to notify them about upcoming events and special activities involving them.

16. Benefits of a professional body to its members
Education
Many professional bodies offer their members the chance to:-
-update their knowledge of tourism development, management, marketing and regulation basics; and
-acquire new skills through seminars, workshops, conferences and online courses.

17. Benefits of a professional body to its members
Free or discounted publications
Membership in many professional bodies includes a free subscription to the organization’s magazine, free publications and discounts on CDs, journals, videos/DVDs and other materials.

18. Benefits of a professional body to its members
Support systems
Members of professional bodies
have support systems through
formal coaching and/or
mentoring relationships with more experienced professionals in their field who provide guidance and useful insights that will aid the member’s career growth.

19. Benefits of a professional body to its members
Civic leadership
Professional bodies contribute to their communities in a variety of ways, from providing scholarships to supporting important charitable causes.
Joining a professional organization is beneficial for members professional development due to the exposure and resources made available to them.

20. Benefits of a professional body to its members
Continuous professional education
Members of professional bodies are
exposed to continuous education
through professional papers,
members discussion and
awareness forums, subscriptions
to major journals, magazines and
newsletter access.

21. Conclusion
A Tourism and Hospitality Professional body will play a major role in integration, regulation, management and development of tourism and hospitality professionals for the greater good of its members and the development of the tourism industry.

22. THANK YOU!