Promote Mt Kenya abroad, envoy says

Kenya could attract more international mountain climbers if it could promote Mount Kenya as a prime tourist site in overseas markets.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Christian Turner said Mount Kenya, which is the second tallest mountain in Africa, has great potential to attract international mountain climbers.

He noted that the beauty of Mount Kenya could help turn around the country’s ailing industry if the government and tourism players could market it in the UK and around the world.

“Besides the popular beaches and safaris, Kenya has a lot to offer to international holidaymakers,” he said.

“Climbing Mount Kenya is a very exciting experience to any mountain climber. The mountain can attract many international tourists if tourism players can capitalise on its scenic beauty.”

Standing at 5,199 metres, Mount Kenya is one of the most impressive features in Africa.

The highest peaks of the mountain are Batian, Nelion and Lenana.

Apart from Mount Kenya, he said, nature walks in Samburu as well as the Lewa Marathon can also be marketed and help the country woo more tourists.

Dr Turner noted that Kenya's diverse culture as well as historical sites such Fort Jesus are some of the attractions which can boost the number of arrivals.

“Some days ago, I visited the iconic Fort Jesus in Mombasa which is a sight to behold,” he said.

CONTINUED SUPPORT

The British High Commissioner made the remarks at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort in Mombasa last Thursday when he was addressing hoteliers, tour operators and travel agents from across the Coast region.

Dr Turner said despite the travel advisories which were issued by the UK government, British tourists are still the highest number of international holidaymakers who visit Kenya.

He added that Britain would continue to support Kenya to address terrorism and other security challenges.

The diplomat said there was a need to involve local communities in tackling insecurity.

Earlier, Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) national chairman Jaideep Vohra had told the British High Commissioner to help lift the travel advisories since they have contributed to the tourism slump.

Mr Vohra said the national and county governments, as well as the private sector, had helped address the concerns which were raised by the British government, adding that they should be lifted for the industry to recover.

“At the moment, security has significantly improved across the Coast region and it is our hope that the British government will lift the travel advisories.

“As we talk now, dozens of hotels have been shut down due to lack of international guests while thousands of hotel workers have been rendered jobless,” he explained.

KAHC Coast branch vice-chairman Silas Kiti said Mombasa and other coastal resort towns had been enjoying calm since December last year.

He explained that security had been improved in all airports, the Likoni channel, the beaches and all tourist hotspots.

“The Kenyan tourism sector can rebound if the British government lifts its advisories which have adversely affected the sector,” he said.

The meeting which was organised by KAHC was attended by hoteliers, tour operators and travel agents from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta and Lamu counties.