Board says steady peace holds key to reviving tourism sector

The ailing tourism industry might rebound this year if the calm enjoyed across the country over the holiday season is sustained, an official has said.

Kenya Tourism Board managing director Muriithi Ndegwa said he was confident that if the situation holds, things will start to look up.

He said the heavy presence of security forces in Mombasa and other parts of the country made Kenyans and foreigners enjoy the festive season without a hitch.

Apart from police and GSU patrols in Mombasa town, the Likoni channel, Moi International Airport and the beaches, he added, there was aerial surveillance by the military.

“There is a ray of hope that the sector might improve in 2015 if security can be enhanced across the country for the safety of all Kenyans and international visitors,” Mr Ndegwa said.

HUGE NUMBER OF LOCALS

“We are glad that the huge number of locals and some international tourists who flocked to the Coast celebrated Christmas safely as the government enhanced security,” he added.

Tourism recovery efforts being implemented by the Tourism ministry, KTB and the private sector, he added, started to bear fruit in December last year when two chartered airlines from Czech Republic and Poland made maiden flights to Mombasa.

During an end year interview with the Nation at Severin Sea Lodge, Mombasa, Mr Ndegwa said the direct flights have boosted tourist numbers.

“The arrival of chartered planes from Czech Republic and Poland is a positive indicator that the sector might rebound in 2015 if all goes well in the country,” Mr Ndegwa said.

“It should be noted that the major challenge which crippled the sector in 2014 was insecurity. We can win the confidence of tourists if the destination is safe,” he explained.

In order to revive the industry in the New Year, he said, the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with his board has earmarked more than Sh15 million for incentives to chartered airlines from Germany and Italy.