Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phyllis
Kandie during a media briefing at the Serena Hotel on May 23, 2014.
PHOTO/DIANA NGILA/NATION
East
African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie
is in the United States to market Kenya as a safe tourist destination.
Ms Kandie was accompanied by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa and met tour operators in New York.
“Kenya
has received a strong endorsement as a tourism destination despite the
various challenges experienced in some parts of the country in the
recent past. The UN Secretary General has just given Kenya a clean bill
of health as a safe tourist destination,” she said.
The
Kenyan delegation, which includes staff from the ministry and KTB as
well as from the private sector, held various sessions in New York.
US stakeholders raised concerns over insecurity and the need for direct flights between Kenya and the US.
Ms
Kandie assured the stakeholders that the government, through the
Ministry of Interior, was addressing security concerns in the country to
ensure all tourists and Kenyans are safe.
STRATEGIC RECOVERY PLAN
The CS met the President and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Mr Terry Dale.
Mr
Dale said his organisation was willing to partner with Kenya, adding
that US travellers enjoy the safari, adventure, culture and other
products the country has to offer.
USTOA represents the top tour operators in the US, including 51 corporate members, 157 tour operators and 614 associate members.
The
US market is Kenya's second-largest source market for tourists, with a
13 per cent market share. In 2013, Kenya received 115,636 visitors from
the US.
The tour is part of the strategic recovery plan to be held in key tourism markets.
The CS is set to meet more stakeholders in Washington, DC.
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