Firms urged to join ‘boost local tourism numbers’ drive
What you need to know:
- “Cashing in on the package is expected to contribute about 300,000 domestic visitors to our hotels and tourism properties within the current financial year,” a statement from the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism reads.
- It is encouraging employers in the private sector to foot the bill for staff and their families while holidaying for at least five days a year.
Domestic tourism has the potential to substantially boost the recovery of the sub-sector, whose fortunes have suffered in the recent past, a recovery taskforce has said.
“While our regional and international tourist source markets are key, domestic tourism remains a potential sub-sector to tap into, and we are optimistic that our focus on this area will bear fruit,” the taskforce chairperson, Ms Lucy Karume, has said.
The team is campaigning to get businesses to take advantage of a stimulus package launched by President Kenyatta in May.
It is encouraging employers in the private sector to foot the bill for staff and their families while holidaying for at least five days a year.
Companies will then deduct such expenditures from their taxes.
This is part of the measures that the team has laid down to revive tourism.
BOOST VISITORS NUMBERS
“Cashing in on the package is expected to contribute about 300,000 domestic visitors to our hotels and tourism properties within the current financial year,” a statement from the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism reads.
Kenya Tourism Board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa said the fourth edition of Magical Kenya Travel Expo, which last week brought together 36 countries from across the globe, was an endorsement of the country as the place to visit.
Mr Ndegwa said the board would leverage on key international events hosted in the country to profile Kenya as a tourist destination of choice and at the same time raise brand equity.
