Kenya is safe, says UN tourism boss

Kenya’s tourism on Thursday received a massive boost after the UN tourism agency endorsed the country as a safe destination.

UN World Tourism Organisation secretary-general Taleb Rifai arrived in Mombasa on Thursday to attend the East African Tourism Development Forum and said he had confidence in the government’s efforts to make the country secure for Kenyans and visitors.

“I am confident of the Kenyan destination. I can even bring my family tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Rifai said terrorism was a global phenomenon and that France, the US and Thailand had all suffered terrorist attacks.

“Terrorism is not a Kenyan challenge, but a worldwide issue. It is not fair to say that terrorism is a Kenyan problem,” Mr Rifai said.

Speaking to journalists shortly after arriving at Moi International Airport, Mr Rifai said he was attending the East Africa tourism development forum to show support for Kenya.

He said he was glad that the government had addressed security concerns raised by international tourist source markets.

“I am impressed by the resilience of the Kenya Coast people. In less than six months tourism has started to pick up,” he said.

NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

At the same time, Mr Rifai called on Kenyan tourism investors not to depend too much on European markets to revive tourism.

Instead, he emphasised the need for Kenya to embrace regional tourism by wooing holidaymakers from neighbouring countries.

“I know the European market is important for your tourism, but don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” he said.

He went on: “In times of trouble, it is your neighbours who can cushion your industry against low European visitors,” he explained.

Mr Rifai cited Seychelles, which has made regional tourism a priority thereby attracting tourists from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and even Kenya.

“African countries need to come together to share experiences and ideas on how they can support tourism for the industry to grow,” he said.

On all-inclusive hotels, the secretary-general said he was against the concept since it denies local Kenyans money from tourists.

ALL-INCLUSIVE HOLIDAYS

He said all-inclusive hotel owners need to allow their guests to go out for lunch or dinner or buy items from local traders for them to see the benefits of tourism.

“It is unfair for tourists to go to a destination … to benefit (only) all-inclusive hotels. Tourists should be allowed to buy food or drinks anywhere they want,” he said.

Restricting tourists to the all-inclusive hotels, he argued, makes them a target of attackers as the locals feel deprived of tourism benefits.

He noted that such hotels also deprive holidaymakers of an opportunity to interact with locals.