The tourism industry in Somalia operates with
in liberalized economic environment that is characterized by active
partnership between the Government and the private sector. While the
private sector is expected to be the motive force, the Ministry of
Tourism & Wildlife is charged with the responsibility of formulation
and implementation of policies a kin to tourism as well as
co-ordination of planning, development, Promotion and marketing of
tourism. The functions of the government may be summarized as
follows: -
I.Formulation and implementation of general policy guidelines
for tourism industry;
II.Setting the required targets such as: -
-Increasing the
contribution of the sector to the National Gross Product, through
increased foreign exchange earnings and retention from the sector;
-Increase the
sector’s employment generating capacity.
-Conserving and protecting the environment;
-Diversification of tourism product range and source markets;
-Developing sustainable tourism and;
-The
development of all facets of tourism.
III Planning,
development and regulations of tourism activities;
IV Licensing, classifying and upholding the quality of tourism
facilities and services.
V Co-ordination and consultation with other government Ministries
and departments in order to facilitate tourism development by
providing the necessary enabling environment;
The Ministry has also responsibility of overseeing the operations of
such State Corporations as: -
·The Somalia Tourism Development Corporations, which
lends to and advises investors in the tourism industry.
·The Somalia Tourism College that trains all cadres and
manpower for the hotel and tourism sub sectors.
·The catering Levy Trustee, which collects training
levy on the sale food, drinks and accommodation for purposes of
funding training programs for the hotel and tourism sub sectors.
·The Folklore of Somalia which is national conservatory
of Somalia’s diverse cultural heritage where traditional rituals,
dance and music are performed for the benefit of both visitors and
local people.
·The Somalia Tourist Board which is charged with
promotion and marketing of the destination both locally and
internationally.
·The Somalia Wildlife service which is an integral part
of the Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife, is vested with the
responsibility of conservation and management of wildlife, and
maintenance of infrastructure, within the national habit.
VII The Ministry co-ordinates Somalia’s
Tourism promotion world-wide and;
VIII Co-ordinates bilateral and
multilateral relations in tourism with other Governments,
Non-governmental Organizations as well as other Donor Agencies.
In addition, The Government provides such basic
infrastructure for tourism development, as road, educational
programs and requisite security. It should also be noted that the
Government is responsible for demarcating, Protecting and gazzeting
Protected areas.
