Travel advisories are unfair - Tourism CS Najib Balala

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has scoffed at some Western countries for  what he termed as irresponsible issuance of travel advisories on key destinations in Africa.

Addressing the United Nations Tourist Organisation (UNWTO) summit in Madrid, Spain, Mr Balala said such advisories will continue to harm tourism and the economies of developing countries.

"Issuance of such advisories has major impacts on countries that are struggling to build their tourism sectors and economies," he said.

Tourism CS Najib Balala after a sky diving session. He has scoffed at some Western countries for  what he termed as irresponsible issuance of travel advisories on key destinations in Africa. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

He urged the international community to ensure proper measures are taken and considered before the advisories are effected.

He added that the refusal by insurance companies to insure visitors touring the affected nations has been a major challenge.

He accused the international media for its continued negative coverage of some African destinations, portraying them as unsafe.