Agency launches aggressive drive to increase number of tourists

A tourism taskforce has unveiled short and medium term recovery plans for tourism.

The “Why I love Kenya” campaign will involve local and international media familiarisation trips.

“The taskforce will help turn around the tide by working to increase the number of tourists,” said Mr Chris Modigell, a member of The Tourism Recovery Task Force.

One of the short-term goals — The Tourism Stimulus Package — was unveiled by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The stimulus package includes tax relief for businesses that take their staff on holiday and exempting travel agents-supplied air tickets from VAT.

The “Why I love Kenya Campaign,” will be an online campaign on social media. It comes on the backdrop of travel advisories issued against Kenya by some Western countries.

The agency has been given Sh200 million to achieve its goals.

REVIEW

The long-term strategy includes a security and infrastructure review that will be unveiled to the public in three months.

“The tourism police unit will be revamped by the Inspector-General and we expect to get more personnel and equipment,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Jostine Barmao, who is a member of the taskforce said.

Meanwhile, the National Government is working with counties at the Coast to prioritise the promotion of domestic tourism.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie said the government will reach out to neighbouring countries Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi to boost hotel occupancy.

She said Kenya Tourism Board, through its “Tembea Kenya’’ campaign, was creating awareness on the need for Kenyans to go on holiday.

“In order to revive the tourism industry at the Coast, the State has prioritised the promotion of domestic tourism,” Mrs Kandie said.