Obama's victory a boost to the tourism sector

Hoteliers from the Coast region on Wednesday expressed hope that the election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States of America will be a major boost to tourism industry in the country.

The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) national chairman Lucy Karume said the victory of Senator Obama has put the country on the world map, adding that holidaymakers from America and other parts of the world will visit Kogelo village where the US President elect’s father originated from.

Speaking to the Nation on Wednesday, Ms Karume noted that Senator Obama’s victory has given Kenya a positive image all over the world as leading TV stations worldwide beamed the celebrations at Kogelo village in Nyanza province.

“We hoteliers in the country sincerely congratulate Senator Obama for winning the US presidential poll. His victory will assist in the revival of tourism industry as our country has gained a positive image world over,” said the KAHC boss.

Added Ms Karume: “In the coming months we expect tourist arrivals from America, Europe and other parts of the world to soar as holidaymakers would be keen to see the country where the US presidential elect’s father came from. The victory is a plus for Kenya.”

Ms Karume who is also the Indian Ocean Beach Club general manager said guests at the hotel from various parts of the world burst into celebrations over Senator Obama’s triumph.

The KAHC Coast branch chairman Mohamed Hersi said the Kenya Tourist Board should now capitalise on Senator Obama’s victory by using the Kogelo village as one of the marketing tools.

Mr Hersi at the same time urged the government to tarmac the road which leads to Kogelo village since it will soon turn into a tourist attraction with US tourists streaming there to see the roots of their Head of State.

“Kogelo village has been beamed world over and its time the KTB used the village as a tourist attraction. I am sure many US citizens and even tourists from other corners of the world will visit there due to generous publicity from international channels like CNN,” he said.

Mr Hersi who is also the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort general manager said Senator Obama’s victory erased the bad image the country earned during the early in the year post-poll violence.

Travellers Beach Hotel general manager Freddie Kiuru said Senator Obama’s victory will uplift the industry, adding that many holiday makers will be eager to tour the country to enjoy watching the wildlife and leisure along the Coastal sandy beaches.

“The victory of Senator Obama has given this country free publicity world over. The number of tourists will increase soon as Kenya is the centre of attraction. When Senator Obama’s name is mentioned so is Kenya,” said Mr Kiuru.

KAHC Malindi and Watamu branch chairman Isaac Rodrot expressed hope that Senator Obama’s triumph will improve the tourism industry in terms of tourist arrivals from overseas.

Mr Rodrot said by President Kibaki declaring today a public holiday it will make many US citizens develop interest with the country and therefore help in improving tourism and the economy.