France lifts travel advisory against Kenya

The French Government has lifted travel advisory against Mombasa and Malindi, a move expected to boost visitors from the European country visiting the region during the festive season.

According to French Ambassador to Kenya Remi Marechaux, the decision to lift the advisory was made following a review on the security measures the Kenyan government has put in place around the coastal region.

French citizens are no longer advised to avoid Mombasa and Malindi.

In November, Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Marechaux held a series of security meetings with various security agencies at the coast to review security measures already put in place in the region.

“We are happy when our tourist source markets appreciate what the government has done in improving security especially in our tourism spots, and we hope all travel advisories to other parts of the country will be reviewed soon,” said the CS.

While applauding the move, CS Balala called on other countries that have not reviewed their travel advisories to consider doing so in appreciation of the government’s effort in scaling up security.

Negative travel advisory has seen the French market record a dip in performance with the current arrivals, as at the month of October, posting an 11% drop with 14,048 visitors down from 15,938 in the same period last year.

Tourism in the coastal region, the CS pointed out, has been on the decline in the recent past owing to insecurity that has led to cancellation of charters.

He said revision of travel advisories will send a positive message on the destination adding that the recent incentives on charters to the coast was another major boost to the revival of tourism in the region.

The government has set aside Ksh 1.2 billion under charter incentives programs set to begin on 1^st January 2016 in a bid to boost visitor numbers in the region.

In October, the United States Government has lifted a travel advisory it had issued to its citizens against visiting most parts of Kenya’s coastal region.

The US Embassy stated that travel restrictions to Malindi, Mombasa and Kwale counties up to the Tanzanian border have been lifted in a move that may prove beneficial to the area’s tourism industry.

Restrictions were however placed on any travel to towns near Kenya’s border with Somalia, with citizens cautioned against using the Likoni Ferry Services in Mombasa.

US also cautioned those visiting Old Town in Mombasa saying they should do so only during the day.

The travel advisories were issued in May this year with the government advising against travel to Eastleigh area in Nairobi and coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu.