Kenya woos Japan into tourism sector

Kenya has asked Japan to take advantage of the exciting investment opportunities in the tourism sector, as the country seeks to increase bed capacity in anticipation of growth in the tour business.

Tourism Principal Secretary Ibrahim Mohammed told the Japanese investors at the sidelines of this year's Japan Association of Travel Agents tourism expo held in Tokyo, Japan to identify suitable opportunities in the hospitality industry for their investments.

"We have investment opportunities in development of lodges, tented camps, camp sites, lodges, eco-lodges and other accommodation facilities in offer for investors. Kenya is open and has clear and accommodating structures for investments," said the PS.

"Despite the current challenges that have led to the drop in numbers of travellers, the tourism sector has a huge opportunity for growth. Therefore, the bed capacity will be an issue to focus on with the anticipated growth," said the PS.

He disclosed there are opportunities in national parks, noting that the Government will accord a conducive environment for such investments.

While addressing Kenyans in diaspora, the PS appealed to them to be brand ambassadors and help build country's confidence among the foreigners.

He appealed to foreign missions to drop negative travel advisories to allow their citizens travel to Kenya for holidays, following improved security and measures put in place to keep Ebola at bay.

Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said Asia is among the emerging markets that have shown potential for growth in numbers, adding that reassurance campaigns already mounted will put the tourism sector back on track.

"We have assured the travel operators selling Kenya in Japan and all our tourist source markets that Kenya is safe for visitation and has not recorded any case of Ebola that has been reported in some countries. We are therefore confident of the growth in the sector," said Ndegwa.