Tourism players in Kenya want State to release Sh200 million for recovery

British tourists queue to check in at Moi International Airport after an advisory warning of terrorist attack in Mombasa recently.. [PHOTO: GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD]

MOMBASA, KENYA: Players in the struggling tourism industry now want the Government to release funds meant for tourism recovery programme. President Uhuru Kenyatta had announced a Sh200 million boost to resuscitate the industry which has been weighed down by travel advisories issued by key source markets over insecurity.

Speaking during the 12th edition of the annual Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (Kahc) symposium at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, Mombasa on Thursday, hoteliers said that it is time the government gave the industry the seriousness it deserves as key pillar of the economy.

KAHC National chairman, Mr Jaideep Vohra said they are awaiting for the funds to be channeled to Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to roll out its marketing and reassurance campaigns.

“Tourism plays a significant role in fostering development, yet it is widely ignored. Few governments in Africa have realised that tourism accounts for 9 per cent of all exports in Africa, more than agricultural products,’’ Vohra said. Managing Director of Platinum Hotels and CEO of Maanzoni Lodge, Mr Titus Kangangi said that the funds for recovery initiative should be released quickly to save the fortunes of the industry.

“While we applaud the initiatives by President Uhuru Kenyatta himself to help the industry, time is not on our side and delay in disbursing the money to relevant government agency is hurting the industry even more,’’ Kangangi said. Cabinet Secretary incharge of East African Affairs, Tourism and Commerce, Ms Phyliss Kandie in a speech read on her behalf by Managing Director Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Mr Muriithi Ndegwa said the coast region has borne the brunt of insecurity incidents that has led to cancellations with hotels recording dismal bookings and some have had to lay off workers in the aftermath of the dip in arrivals.

SOURCE MARKETS

“We in government feel the frustrations and despair that players in this sector face and it is for this reason that the Head of State recently spelt a number of raft of measures as a stimulus as one of the strategies that are aimed at cushioning the sector,’’ she said. Ms Kandie said that the move to allow government institutions to hold conferences in public-owned properties, employers in the private sector having to foot bill for employees and their families while holidaying at least five days a year, anywhere in the country are welcome initiatives. She added that reduction of park fee by $10 which will translate to Sh200 for domestic tourists serve as key stimulus to enticing local travellers to safari excursion.

On funding, Kandie said that the government was mobilising funding for the international campaigns which will roll out shortly. ‘’These campaigns will encompass branding, advertising, Public relations and digital marketing and will cover key source markets all across the world.

“We shall also engage the international media to reclaim our reputation and image in international news outlets,’’ Kandie said. She pledged to look for funds to help sustain the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) pioneered Beach Management Programme which has been a success.

Kandie announced that the government was in the process of operationalising the Tourism Fund and Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) to help regulate the sector.

“I request that you accord the agencies the necessary support. We have also gazetted Crisis committee to help in addressing security-related issues affecting the sector. Further to this, we shall soon gazette the Tourism Recovery Task Force that will also help us in steering the sector back on track,’’ she said.

Kandie further stressed on the need to diversify which she added is a key element of the recovery process. “We need to amplify the meetings, incentive, conferences and exhibitions footprint in our tourism. We must develop a stronger rapport with business tourists and equip ourselves to meet their needs. The planned convention center in this region will go a long way towards establishing unquestionable credentials in this regard,” said Kandie.

Kandie said Kenya’s diversification is about adding new source markets to existing ones and are now eyeing Chinese, Middle East and Africa markets.