The latest efforts to revive the ailing tourism sector in the face of declining arrivals and increased competition from other destinations in the region is welcome, but I wish it came a bit earlier. On Saturday, President Uhuru Kenyatta gave a two-week ultimatum to the task force formed by the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce and East African Affairs to revamp the crucial sector.
Dubbed the Tourism Advisory Board, it will focus on a comprehensive marketing plan for the tourism sector. Kenya is a beautiful country blessed with rich wildlife, and breathtaking pristine beaches. There is no reason why we should be struggling to attract tourists. Because of terror incidents by Somali-based al-Shabaab and wavering marketing campaigns, Kenya’s tourism industry is facing tough times which unless immediately addressed, could herald myriad problems.
It is alarming that traditional tourism source markets such as US, Britain, France, Germany, Australia and Canada have recorded a slowdown in recent years. I attribute this mainly to the European economic crisis and security concerns in the face of Kenya’s confrontation with terror groups. Tourism stakeholders also say things have become harder because of last year’s General Election.
Many tourists get advised by their governments and tour agencies to keep off Kenya for fear of violence and insecurity. Sadly, the Westgate Shopping Mall terrorist attack which media houses in the the world over beamed for weeks did not help the matters, as tourists were scared about venturing into the country.
The Ministies of Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Interior should join hands and execute a publicity blitz to deflect negative effects of this incident. I also feel the Value Added Tax levy imposed last year, on tour and travel companies has dampened their resolve to intesify marketing campaigns to attract more tourists. I hope the task force appointed will recommend actionable strategies which will bear immediate results. By David Gachuru, Nairobi.
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