Why battlefield tourism is the new frontier to grow numbers

Kenya’s first certified battlefield tourism guide, James Wilson talks to other tour guides outside Fort Jesus Museum about the British Empire Army gun which was used to fight German army soldiers during the first World War in 1914. Tourism players at the Coast are itching for a slice of battlefield tourism to add numbers into the region. (PHOTO:GIDEON MAUNDU/ STANDARD)

Tourism players at the Coast are itching for a slice of battlefield tourism to add numbers into the region. Battlefield tourism is a recreational travel to active or former war zones for purposes of sightseeing or historical study.

Hotelier Mohamed Hersi said battlefield tourism is a diversification concept that Kenya should tap into for growth. “The history of the First World War pitted two key antagonists then - the Germans and the British who both happen to be Kenya’s leading source markets for tourists. These two remain very familiar to Kenya,’’ said Hersi, who is also Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Group of Hotels.