Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie is impressed by the enthusiasm shown by Kenyans to help grow local tourism during the Christmas holiday.
She said the move has promoted the ailing sector that had hit its lowest ebb attributed to insecurity, especially at the Coast and travel warnings issued by some countries following a spate of terror attacks and violent crime in Mombasa, Lamu and Tana River counties between May and July.
“Kenyans have been a major boost for most establishments, especially at the Coast that had been suffering due to low numbers of visitors. I Congratulate Kenyans for visiting and patronising tourist facilities in large numbers during the December holidays,” she said in a statement.
Ms Kandie noted that the high number of domestic tourists had a multiplier effect across the economy by helping to retain and create new jobs.
She further lauded efforts by airlines, hotels and tourism firms to create special packages, which have been attractive to holiday makers, thus enabling more Kenyans to visit various destinations across the country.
“We should develop competitive and sustainable packages that will ensure tourism blossoms and Kenyans are able to go for holiday thorough out the year as per their plans and budgeting,” she said.
National integration
She also noted that by touring various parts of the country, Kenyans would boost tourism, appreciate other people’s culture and encourage national integration.
She said the Government would hold negotiations with various international governments to review and lift travel advisories to encourage more visitors to come to Kenya.
“We want to eliminate the low and high seasons to enable tourism facilities enjoy high number of tourists throughout the year. We also remain optimistic that 2015 will bring better tidings for the industry that did not fare well in 2014 due to insecurity challenges,” she said.
She lauded the Government for partially lifting the curfew in Lamu to enable residents enjoy their holiday.
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