Kenya is safe, says world tourism chief

Kenya is a good destination for tourists and the international community should give the country unconditional support a top world tourism official has said.

Speaking on Saturday morning when he paid a courtesy call on President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House Nairobi, World Tourism Organization secretary general, Dr Taleb Rifai said Kenya is a shining example in the tourism sector and that the entire United Nation system supports the country to achieve its goals.

He said terror is a global challenge which requires all nations to join hands in combating it.

He said that there was no need for travel advisories.

“I want to assure you that you are not alone in this, we will support you Your Excellency,” he said.

OFFER KENYA SUPPORT

Dr Rifai called on the international community to give Kenya an absolute and unconditional support adding that the travel advisories issued by some nations do not augur well for the tourism industry and general development.

“These forces of darkness want to scare people from coming to Kenya but we should not allow them to derail us from our goals,” he said

He commended President Kenyatta for taking proactive steps in dealing with terrorism by ensuring that the country continues to open up to all visitors from all over the globe.

“You have managed to open up and not closed into yourself as a country, but rather you have brought the world to yourself,” Dr Rifai said.

The world tourism chief said his organisation is taking positive action in promoting Kenya as one of the best tourist destination by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government to ensure the sector is sustainable.

WONDERFUL DESTINATION

He said the MoU is aimed at restoring the image and repositioning Kenya as a desired tourist destination.

The MOU is to provide the Government of Kenya with a crisis management tool kit and manual to help the country respond to tourism related crisis especially in the international stage.

President Kenyatta said Kenya will not succumb to threats and that it will continue encouraging coexistence amongst its citizens.

“We are not going to close our society, we appreciate our diversity despite the tragedy that befell us,” said the President.

He said the recent terror attack on Kenya is an isolated case and that all nations are facing a similar challenge.

NO TO TRAVEL ADVISORIES

“We will not change our plans rather we will continue with what we are doing. There is no need to issue travel advisories, you scare people by issuing them and thereby fall into the trap of the enemies,” he added.

The President urged western nations to always consult deeply before issuing travel advisories so as to understand the kind of negative impact that can be caused by those actions.

“Sometimes these advisories are put without much consideration, when you issue advisories you create fear and despondency,” said President Kenyatta.

Present were the Cabinet Secretary for East Africa, Commerce and Tourism, Phyllis Kandie and Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Mureithi Ndegwa.