Cabinet Secretary Phylis Kandie leads delegation to London fete

Cabinet Secretary for East Africa Affairs, Commerce and Tourism Phylis Kandie will lead  a delegation of tour operators, hoteliers and travel agents to the 35th edition of the World Travel Market tourism symposium that starts tomorrow in London.

The four-day event  will see Kenyan represented by 45 industry players in addition to officials from the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB).

KTB Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa said officials representing 11 county governments will be part of the team.

He said some of the attractions offered by counties will be exhibited in the international arena.

The intention is   to let the world know that Kenya is open for business and position it as the  ultimate holiday destination.

This will help instil a desire to visit the country, said Ndegwa. 

KTB, he added, would focus on getting tourism backs on its feet following recent terrorism incidents that have contributed to reducing the number of international arrivals.

Following these attacks, a number of Western countries issues adverse travel advisories to their citizens, discouraging them from visiting Kenya.

Lydia Dentewo, who is the General Manager of Lake Bogoria Spa Resort and is one of the exhibiting hoteliers, said that by participating, Kenya was sending out a message that despite various challenges the country has faced, it is still open for business.