East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie is in the United States to market Kenya as a safe tourist destination.
Ms Kandie was accompanied by Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa and met tour operators in New York.
“Kenya has received a strong endorsement as a tourism destination despite the various challenges experienced in some parts of the country in the recent past. The UN Secretary General has just given Kenya a clean bill of health as a safe tourist destination,” she said.
The Kenyan delegation, which includes staff from the ministry and KTB as well as from the private sector, held various sessions in New York.
US stakeholders raised concerns over insecurity and the need for direct flights between Kenya and the US.
Ms Kandie assured the stakeholders that the government, through the Ministry of Interior, was addressing security concerns in the country to ensure all tourists and Kenyans are safe.
STRATEGIC RECOVERY PLAN
The CS met the President and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Mr Terry Dale.
Mr Dale said his organisation was willing to partner with Kenya, adding that US travellers enjoy the safari, adventure, culture and other products the country has to offer.
USTOA represents the top tour operators in the US, including 51 corporate members, 157 tour operators and 614 associate members.
The US market is Kenya’s second-largest source market for tourists, with a 13 per cent market share. In 2013, Kenya received 115,636 visitors from the US.
The tour is part of the strategic recovery plan to be held in key tourism markets.
The CS is set to meet more stakeholders in Washington, DC.
Source-nation.co.ke
