(Seychelles News Agency) - Increasing tourism arrivals and earnings in the southern African region is the priority of a Seychellois appointed as acting chief executive of the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA).

Kenneth Racombo, who joined the organisation in May, said, “This can be achieved by undertaking a vigorous destination marketing exercise in the region.”

The new acting chief executive added that there is also the need for the organisation to work very closely with the tourism and investment bureaus of the member states of Southern African Developing Community (SADC) to avoid duplication.

Racombo said he has been presented with the main task of leading the management team of the regional body in achieving the objectives outlined by tourism boards of countries in southern Africa.

“My task is also to ensure that tourism plays a pivotal role in achieving key development goals enshrined in the Regional Indicative Strategy Plan as the new board constitutes of heads of marketing boards from member states of the Southern African body.”

The Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) is a body of SADC responsible for the development of tourism and regional destination marketing across the 15 countries from the region.

The acting chief executive said, “I am grateful for the confidence vested in me. Although the task ahead is very challenging, I am determined to ensure that the organisation works towards achieving its vision of increasing visitors in the southern region.”

Under his leadership, Racombo said that RETOSA will work closely with private sectors as “it is imperative that a proper marketing strategy requires the right investment in the tourism sector.”

Racombo joined the organisation in May as head of resource mobilisation and development. He was previously the director general of development and regional integration at the Seychelles' Department of Foreign Affairs.

He said that there are also two main issues that are crucial for making tourism a key pillar for economic development of the region -- brand promotion and marketing.

The Seychelles Tourism Board has welcomed the appointment, and the chief executive Sherin Francis said “Seychelles is indeed very proud to see one of its citizens assume this esteemed office. Just by assuming this position he will be putting Seychelles at the forefront, providing added visibility for the country.”