The Kenyan government has accused the West of applying “double standards” in the issuance of travel advisories.
Tourism CS Najib Balala yesterday said it is unfortunate the developed nations call for travel advisories whenever “minor incidents” occur, thus adversely affecting tourism.
The tourism sector has faced dwindling fortunes and the CS blamed this on the fear caused when Western governments warn their citizens against coming to this country.
“I felt sad when France and Belgium were attacked. We were told to stand with them and we did. The attacks were major,” he said during the Tourism Summit at State House, Mombasa.
“I was surprised when advisories were issued when some Kenyans demonstrated against the electoral body.”
British High Commissioner Nic Hailey, who was present, was taken to task to explain the rush by his country to issue advisories. He said political violence keeps away tourists and security is paramount for any nation.
“We have some travel advisories in parts of Kenya but not Mombasa. Kenya has made progress,” he said.
The summit focused on marketing and innovation, and services and products in the hospitality industry and the way forward. On Tuesday, the CS said the government is keen on revamping the industry.
Balala said the number of tourists increased by 13.8 per cent between January and June. He said revenue was Sh47 billion, better than the Sh37 billion collected in 2015 during the same period. “We need to improve our domestic market,” he said.
The CS said a cruise tourism terminal at the Port of Mombasa will be launched by October next year.
Balala said the first berth will be upgraded to a cruise ship terminal. He said last year, the country had 7,000 tourists using cruise ships.
“The Ministry will tender for renovations and by August 2017, it will be ready. There is a lot of interest in cruise tourism,” Balala said.
The summit, the first to be held outside Nairobi, brought together the private sector, the government, and other non-state actors.
Attendants included tour operators, hoteliers, diplomats, travel agents, taxi drivers and beach operators.
The CS said the European market has declined by 20 per cent, hence the need to take advantage of the African market.
He said security, infrastructure, marketing and funding are key to ensuring tourism thrives: “We have Sh1.5 billion for promotion and marketing. We are picking up again in 2016.”