Tourism numbers up 17.2pc in first eight months

Tourism numbers up 17.2pc in first eight months

The local tourism industry continues to bounce back to its former glory with 581,808 tourists making Kenya their preferred holiday destination between January and August.

This was a 17.2 percent improvement from the 496, 579 tourists who visited Kenya during a similar period in 2015.

The Ministry of tourism attributed the recovery in the sector to reversal of travel advisories as well as enforcement of security in the country.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said some of the incentives government had put in place had helped lure tourists back to the country.

The ministry has also set up a National Convention Bureau to research to position Kenya as an ideal conference destination.

The bureau will work alongside the Kenya Tourism Board to pitch for high profile tourism events.

“These business meetings not only create business opportunities in Kenya but bring a sign of confidence,” Mr Balala said.

The ministry has allocated the bureau Sh10 million to conduct the research and present the report within 60 days.

The changing attitudes of travelers come in the wake of attacks has caused many travelers deal with fear of insecurity.

To curb the menace, ministry of tourism has set up a Tourism Protection Service amid concerns of tourist harassment in the country.

The task force is expected to improve the image of the country globally and this will see consequent increase in tourism inflows.

“We have security challenges and the government has invested in security apparatus in the country. We should find a way the people should not feel is a problem to visit certain areas. People are reluctant on going to malls and hotels because the cumbersome of being searched and feel harassed. We can’t comprise on security but the way we do it, we overdo it,” said Mr Balala.

The protection officers will undergo customer service training from Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Police Unit and Kenya Utalii College geared at making sure the security agents are ready to provide unmatched tourist protection.

Tags:

kenya tourism Najib Balala Kenya Tourism Board tourists conference tourism arrival numbers National Convention Bureau Tourism Protection Service

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