Government challenges counties to tap into cross border travelers

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has challenged Kisumu and other counties connecting Mombasa port to neighbouring countries to tap into cross border travellers to boost domestic tourism.

The board also challenged regional countries to enhance their competitiveness by coming up with innovative ways of attracting tourists.

With dwindling fortunes from international visits due to insecurity and travel advisories, the board is banking on local tourism to increase country's market share.

Speaking to The Standard, KTB Assistant Regional Marketing Manager Fiona Ngesa noted that on a daily basis people en route to Mombasa cross Malaba border into Kenya and spend about five days in the country.

"Whether you look at them as traders or truck drivers, they are regarded as tourists. During those five days, what are they doing when they stop from one destination to the other?" she posed.

"We need to tap into them by developing suitable products. What is it that they can do in Busia town before they proceed to Eldoret, Kisumu, Nairobi and Mombasa," she added.

Industry players agree that widening region's products is critical in growing the ailing industry.

The Kenya National Highway Authority (Kenha) is currently constructing parking lots for truck drivers in Mowlem area, a move that could see the region evolve to become lucrative for food vendors as well as guesthouse businesses.

Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers CEO Mike Macharia asked counties of border points to increase investment in cross border tourism by establishing business hubs to boost revenue for the regions.