The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has endorsed Kenya as a safe tourist destination, saying the warmth and hospitality of the country supersedes past terrorism attacks that almost paralysed the tourism sector.
UNWTO secretary-general Taleb Rifai said Kenya’s ‘magical experience’ characterised by captivating landscapes and incredible wildlife cannot be left to wallow in the desperation of terrorists whose intention is to spoil the continent’s culture, identity and future.
“UNWTO maintains great confidence in the East African Community’s ability to overcome the current challenges, embrace opportunities and affirm itself as a leading tourism destination,” he said. Terrorist attacks in Nairobi and Lamu in the early months of the year led to a drastic fall in tourist numbers, with some hotels at the Coast downsizing operations.
But there are signs that the sector is on an upswing during the current peak season, boosted by several recent high-profile conferences. The ongoing wildebeest migration at Masai Mara has also drawn more tourists than last year, according to reports from hotels and tour operators.
Speaking at Mombasa during the UNWTO East Africa Tourism Development Forum, Rifai said the first months of 2015 have already seen a strong four per cent growth in international tourist arrivals worldwide, adding that there has international tourism has been on upward trend in recent years following the 4.3 per cent growth in 2014 that generated a record $1.5 trillion (Sh154 trillion) in earnings.
“Yet behind these impressive numbers lies a much deeper meaning, revealing tourism’s transformative potential in driving inclusive development across the globe,” he said. However, he said, despite the impressive growth, Africa’s tourism sector grew by only two per cent in 2014, a slowdown in demand after consecutive years of solid growth.
UNWTO data for the first quarter of 2015 shows international arrivals down an estimated six per cent in the first part of the year. “The Ebola outbreak in a few West African countries and recent terror attacks have clearly impacted tourism as misguided perception had aggravated fears among travellers and generalised crises as a region-wide situation,” said Rifai.
He urged African governments to invest in positive branding and image, saying the continent cannot be defined by poverty, conflict and diseases. “Africa’s image struggles with a negative default setting fuelled by unflattering stereotypes and the broad generalisation of crisis situations in specific locations,” he said.
Rifai challenged East African countries to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive global market place saying the EAC must unite to deliver one compelling, highly-competitive offering.
Credit: www.mediamaxnetwork.co.ke
