By Philip Mwakio in Paris, France
Kenya’s efforts to promote local tourist sites in France will soon bear results going by the number of travellers who have shown interest.
Kenyan ambassador to France, Elkanah Odembo is upbeat on French tourists visiting Kenya this year.
Speaking to The Standard on Sunday at the Kenyan embassy in Paris, Mr Odembo said aggressive marketing by Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) and the Government has seen increased inquiries on Kenyan destination.
"It is picking up and we hope to increase numbers," the envoy said.
He said after the 2008 post election violence, tourist numbers from France took a tumble.
Numbers to double
Last year, over 20,000 French tourists visited Kenya. He said the number could double this year.
Odembo, who was flanked by the mission’s First Counsellor, Edwin Maloba said a spirited campaign by Tourism Minister Najib Balala when he toured France in 2008 to reassure tour operators has elicited strong support from French travellers.
On his part, Mr Maloba said the embassy is working with KTB marketing development representative in Paris to sensitise travellers on Kenya attractions.
"We are targeting French parents through their children. KTB has been showcasing Kenya’s tourist sites to the children in the ongoing fair in Rouen," he said.
He said children are likely to push their parents to visit in Kenya.
Meanwhile, the global travel and tourism industry employs 235 million people.
A recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council show, this represents 8.2 per cent of all employment and generates 9.4 per cent of global gross domestic product.
