Ministry moves to shore up domestic tourism

By Philip Mwakio

Tourism Ministry has declared 2010 the year of domestic tourism.

Acting PS, Eunice Miima said the move is intended to promote the holiday concept among Kenyans.

"We have so much ground to cover as the culture of holidaying in Kenya is still in its infancy. But survey indicates there is great zeal among Kenyans to sample tourist attractions in the country,’’ she said.

Speaking at a Coast Tourism Stakeholders forum at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, the PS said the Ministry was fast tracking the establishment of additional tourism circuits in the country.

Holiday culture

The forum organised by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) heard that efforts were being made to instill a culture of holiday among the locals.

KTB has earmarked domestic tourism to generate up to 50 per cent of the total revenue into the sector by 2012.

According to KTB Regional Marketing manager in charge of the domestic cluster, Fred Okeyo, the signing of the East African Community (EAC) Common market presents a much bigger opportunity for regional tourism to grow.

"We can reap from this integration, which allows free movement of people, goods and labour within the wider East African region,’’ he said.

At the same time, the PS said experts from the ministry and a technical team from the office of the Attorney General will be meeting in Mombasa to fine tune the Tourism Bill before its forwarded to Parliament for debate.