State to review tourism policy to revive sector - CS Malonza

"We're reviewing to capture the inspirations of the common mwananchi."

In Summary
  • This, she said, will pave the way for the diversification of tourism products to ease pressure on traditional products.
  • The government, she added, was exploring cultural tourism, education tourism, medical tourism and conference tourism as some of the products to woo more visitors.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza in Kisumu on Friday, April 7,2023.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza in Kisumu on Friday, April 7,2023.
Image: FAITH MATETE

The government is set to review the tourism policy to resuscitate the sector and boost revenue.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza said the review targets to develop different products to spread tourism benefits across the country.

This, she said, will pave the way for the diversification of tourism products to ease pressure on traditional products.

The government, she added, was exploring cultural tourism, education tourism, medical tourism and conference tourism as some of the products to woo more visitors.

"Even as we speak, we are in process of reviewing our national tourism policy to capture the inspirations of the common mwananchi so that we have an inclusive tourism consumption."

Art displayed during Tourism CS Peninah Malonza's tour to Kisumu County on April 7,2023.
Art displayed during Tourism CS Peninah Malonza's tour to Kisumu County on April 7,2023.
Image: FAITH MATETE

The CS noted that she was aware that the Council of Governors is in touch with all 47 counties and is in the process of developing tourism products that we can promote so that we have equitable distribution of tourism benefits to the locals who host the products.

"I want to assure you all that our marketing agency, Kenya Tourism Board, is readily available to help you market these products."

Malonza was speaking during the mega fish Fiesta event and the launch of Kisumu my pride marketing strategy and campaign for the city of Kisumu on Friday

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According to the CS, the Fish Fiesta represents one of the unique tourism product diversions in this region.

"For me, this is the beginning of the development of culinary tourism in the Western tourism circuit," she said adding that culinary tourism has witnessed an exponential rise in the past few decades.

In other countries, the CS noted that this type of tourism is enormous and generates lots of income for the locals and in fact, some regions offer food tours where one can sample food in vast regions.

"As a result, cities that are particularly known for their excellent food and beverages have begun to offer organized tours that take people to the best places to eat and drink, and I think Kisumu can do this better than anyone else."

Malonza added that culinary tourism can also mean specific food rituals and customs, and this can be packaged through cultural tourism.

"For instance, we know what happens when we eat the head of the fish…and many more. This storytelling can be a great attraction both regionally and internationally and will support our strategy on promoting the consumption of other tourism products other than beach and safari," she said.

Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria
Image: FAITH MATETE
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