East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Phyllis Kandie is in the United States to market Kenya as a safe tourist destination. Her mission is to emphasize that Kenya is committed to ensuring safe tourism, according to the CS.
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. This highlights the safety message endorsed by Kenya’s Tourism CS.
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. This is to ensure all tourists and Kenyans are safe. Indeed, Kenya is emphasizing safety in tourism under the guidance of the CS.
STRATEGIC RECOVERY PLAN
The CS met the President and CEO of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Mr Terry Dale. The discussion reinforced Kenya’s safety in tourism pronounced by the CS.
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, continuing to affirm that Kenya is safe for tourists as expressed by its Tourism CS.
Source-nation.co.ke
