Kenya Tourist Board plan to reverse drop in tourist arrivals

Persistent terror attacks hit the tourism industry to record a four per cent drop in international tourist arrivals between January and May this year.

Compared to the same period last year, tourist arrivals dipped by 17,000, as the marketing agency moves to revive the struggling industry.

Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) says the Government is stepping up campaigns to woo tourists into the country and also counter bad publicity. The Government is also injecting about Sh700 million for the recovery of the sector.

“We have witnessed reduced numbers of tourists’ arrivals more so due to the security threats and travel advisories that have been issued by some of the major markets, for example, United Kingdom and US,” KTB Managing Director Mureithi Ndegwa said yesterday.

RECOVERY PROGRAMME

He made the remarks during a media launch of the Fourth Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) that will bring together travel agents, tour operators, hoteliers and media from Kenya’s tourism source markets. Major source markets such as US, France and UK have issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens to avoid certain places and especially the coastal region.

This has been occasioned by increased spate of insecurity leading to loss of hundreds of lives in the last six months.

However, Ndegwa said the Government is responding to threats by beefing up security as well as fast-tracking recovery programme.

Two months ago, the Government pledged to give Sh200 million to finance recovery programme. Also, in the current financial year Sh500 million has been allocated for marketing of Kenya as a rich tourist destination.

The State also cut park fees to Sh200 for domestic tourists and exempted air ticketing from Value Added Tax to spur growth of the industry.

“For example, we have been on a reassurance missions in key markets. Recently, we undertook a mission to US and UK together with the Cabinet Secretary for East African Affairs Commerce and Tourism, Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie,” he said.

The mission, Ndegwa said met tour operators and travel agents selling Kenya and assured them of the Government’s commitment to the safety of tourist and citizens alike. “We have also continued with assurance campaigns through our marketing development representatives (MDRS),” he added. Other activities being undertaken include a campaign dubbed Tembea Kenya to encourage domestic travellers to sample Kenya’s attractions.

He said MKTE will be held from October 8-10, 2014 at KICC where participants from more than 30 countries from key source markets in Europe, Asia, Americas Africa and the Middle East will attend.

Ndegwa said about 60 companies have registered for the expo out of the targeted 110 exhibitors. “We are certain the three-day event that will be preceded by a familiarisation tour to showcase Kenya’s tourism products will be successful,” he added.

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