Tourism CS Najib Balala in a press conference Monday, August 14.He maintained that the nation's tourist destinations are safe and peaceful.[Photo/NTV]
International broadcasting firms have been warned against exaggerating the Kenyan security status following recent violence in some parts of the nation as a result of disputed results by the opposition in the just concluded general election.
Speaking in a press conference Monday,Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala warned that portraying the nation as insecure could cost it lost of revenue obtained through tourism.
He maintained that despite some parts of the nation being affected by violence and police-rioters confrontations,all the tourism destinations are peaceful and well secured for the benefit of tourists and all those eyeing the nation for tourism .
''International broadcasting bodies should desist from portraying the nation as insecure especially in a bid to keep off tourists.Despite some parts being affected by the recently witnessed violence,all tourist destinations are safe and peaceful,'' said Balala.
His comments were echoed by Kenya Association of Hotel keepers and Caterers (KAHC) chair Mike Macharia who further maintained that most of the tourist destinations at the coast are recording high booking despite the ongoing situation calling upon more foreign tourists to come and explore the nation's hospitality sector.
''Most of our hotels and beaches are already recording good numbers of bookings and this is a good impression,'' said Macharia.
The nation is ranked among the best tourism destinations worldwide and highly depends on the same.