Applying For KATO Membership – Kenya Association of Tour Operators

How Does One Join KATO?

After one (1) year of operation as a limited liability company with a Tour Operator’s license from the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), one may make a formal application in writing requesting to join KATO. Subsequent to this, applicants will be furnished with a Membership Application form, two Questionnaires, and a Notice of Categorisation.

These documents are to be returned to the Secretariat duly filled and with the Categorisation form duly certified by the applicant’s Auditors. In addition, one will also be required to attach copies of their Certificate of Incorporation (not Certificate of Business Name Registration), Ministry of Tourism License, and any promotional materials/brochures that may enable the Ethics and Standards Sub-Committee to adequately assess your application.

Benefits of Joining KATO

KATO is an umbrella body formed in 1978 and comprises of the most experienced Tour Operators in Kenya. It is your best source of information for tourist-related matters.

We also help promote Kenya as a prime destination locally and abroad. KATO Members are bound by a Code of Conduct that ensures that they uphold the business ethics of the Travel Profession and requires that they trade honestly.

Visitors to Kenya are advised to arrange their holidays through KATO Members who are listed on our website.

Benefits of KATO Membership

INFORMATION EXCHANGE

Communication from official circles (KWS, KTB, and KTF) is sent through the Association and thereafter disseminated to members and not to individual companies. Members have access to the latest information on Industry events and news through circulars as well as the KATO E-bulletin. This E-bulletin includes member introductions, summaries of member-specific news and advisory updates as well as a listing of upcoming events.

RECOMMENDATION/REFERENCES FOR YOUR COMPANY

KATO gives recommendations/references to agents and tourists on behalf of its members. It also recommends its members in dealings with other tourism trading bodies including KTB as its members are recognized both locally and internationally as quality tourism providers

BONDING SCHEME

Members that are tour operating entities are under the bonded scheme which provides agents and clients with the added reassurance and peace of mind whilst dealing with KATO members.

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ARBITRATION/MEDIATION FACILITY

There Standards and Ethics Sub-committee arbitrate/mediates in cases where a client or an agent lodges a complaint that requires intervention.

LOBBY

KATO is actively involved in lobbying activities specifically with the Government on important issues affecting members.

ACCESS TO KTF SAFETY & COMMUNICATION CENTER

Members have automatic membership to the Kenya Tourism Federation Safety and Communication Centre (KTFS-CC) which offers emergency assistance and security news updates.

EASY ACCESS TO PRE-PAID PARK TICKETS

KATO offers a convenient and safe one-stop-shop for member’s park entry ticket requirements.

NETWORKING

Keeping in mind that the membership includes tour operators, affiliate companies as well as corporate, being a part of KATO enables any member to have extensive networking opportunities with the other members as well as leading industry figures. Network gatherings including breakfasts, lunches, and cocktail parties allow members to establish relationships with their counterparts across the industry as well as other tourism-related products.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

KATO is constantly educating its members by way of facilitation of workshops and seminars with the intent of enlightening members on topical issues that arise from time to time.

MEMBERS ONLINE DIRECTORY AND DATABASE

KATO maintains an online directory and database where Members can be searched by name and category. It also has a sophisticated website that includes hyperlinks to your own website and where Members can be searched by name and category and can be viewed by all. This provides valuable exposure to members and their products. In addition, the Association has a publication-Kenya’s Operators Guide which is a listing of members and serves as the official directory of tour operating companies in Kenya by all including KTB.

USE OF THE KATO LOGO

Members have access to and may display the KATO logo on stationery and promotional material, which acts as a source of recognition throughout the industry. The logo may also be added to member’s websites, which is encoded with your own membership number to prove valid and paid membership.

INFORMATION ON AND ACCESS TO OVERSEAS TRADE SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS.

KATO plays a leading role in many major travel trade shows within the country in a marketing capacity for and on behalf of the members.

STRONGER BARGAINING POWER

KATO members are able to use their numeric strength to access services at special rates.