Kenya Tourism Board says travel advisory review good for sector

Tourists look at a lioness on a road at the Maasai Mara National Reserve on August 13, 2014. PHOTO | SULEIMAN MBATIAH | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• Britain lifted some advisories it had issued against travelling in some parts of the country following a wave of terrorist attacks.
• FCO eased travel in some areas but continued to advice against all but essential travel to Mombasa, Garissa and Lamu

By BEATRICE OBWOCHA
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The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has said the softening of the travel advisory issued by the United Kingdom will boost tourism in the country.

KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said the review will aid tourism recovery efforts initiated by Kenya.

In a statement Wednesday, Mr Ndegwa was hopeful that other Western countries that had warned their citizens against travelling to Kenya would follow suit.

“Kenya is safe and open for business with the government working tirelessly to address security issues. We look forward to the lifting of restrictions on travel to the Kenyan Coast, which was hard hit by the advisories,” he said.

MOMBASA

Britain lifted some advisories it had issued against travelling in some parts of the country following a wave of terrorist attacks.

(READ: Now Britain relaxes travel warnings)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said there were no restrictions on travel by British citizens to popular safari destinations in Kenya.

In the latest revision, the FCO eased travel in some areas but continued to advice against all but essential travel to Mombasa, Garissa and Lamu.

“This is a welcome and timely move as KTB alongside other players in the industry prepare to attend one of the world’s largest tourism expos in London, the World Tourism Market, in November. The softening of the travel advisory will boost our recovery message,” said Mr Ndegwa.