Tourists on a boat at the coast. FILE PHOTO | NMG
Summary
- Despite the election year, stakeholders in the multi-billion shilling industry say performance will be better.
- The government reckons there is increased confidence due stability enjoyed in the last three years.
- This is despite the American and UK warning its citizens that that things could turn violent during party primaries and ahead of the August 8 polls.
Stakeholders in Kenya's multi-billion
shilling tourism sector say they are optimistic of its prospects as the
number of bookings rise.
Despite 2017 being an election
year, industry players say they expect to register booming business
this year due to improved security at the coast.
Neptune
Hotels regional director of operations Vickram Korla commended the
State for boosting security and helping restore the hotel and tourism
business.
"The industry is now better placed to
withstand the politics sweeping through the region because the
government is keen to secure tourism earnings, encourage more visitors
to the coast and lure new investments," he said.
Brave face
The government reckons there is increased confidence in Kenya due to stability enjoyed in the last three years.
Sector
players and the State have put on a brave face despite American and UK
government warnings to its citizens that things could turn violent
during party primaries and ahead of the August 8 General Elections.
It is also feared that Laikipia could take years to
recover from bad global publicity garnered from a widely-reported attack
on conservationist Kuki Gallmann.
Tourism stakeholders
and ranch-owners in Laikipia County recently formed a taskforce to
address the ranch invasions by pastoralists in a bid to protect their
properties and investments.
"The UK is a market that
really matters and we are engaging locally and internationally market
strategies to boost tourism," Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) public relations
manager Wausi Walya re-assured on Tuesday.
ALSO READ: Gallman attack dims Laikipia tourism allure
Promotion drive
KTB has been on an aggressive marketing drive to promote the country as a tourist destination.
The State agency recently inked deals with Indian filmmakers and a top cricket team to attract more visitors from the Asian giant.
India is currently Kenya’s third largest tourist source market.
Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have also established an online portal to jointly market the countries' tourism products.
Additional reporting by Lynette Mukami
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