Tourism industry upbeat on recovery

Tourism stakeholders have lauded the listing of Kenya by Forbes Magazine among nine countries open for both tourism and business travel.

Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), the umbrella tourism body said the listing was an endorsement that Kenya has met all health protocols and was a safer place for holiday travel. "The fact that Forbes Magazine has picked Kenya as one among the nine is a morale booster," said KTF boss Mohammed Hersi.

Hersi, also Director of Operations at Pollman Tours and Safaris, said the move shows Kenya's efforts to fight Covid-19 are bearing fruits.

He said Kenyans have remained resilient and optimistic, with the number of local tourists sampling various tourist attractions growing, at a time when the world is grappling with effects of Coivd-19.

The Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch Executive Officer Sam Ikwaye said the listing of the country marks a key endorsement, considering the effects Covid-19 to the industry and professionals.

Ikwaye urged Germany and other countries to allow their tourists visit Kenya for holiday. "Kenya is and remains a strong safari and holiday brand destination. We urge the State to lobby to have Kenya removed from the list with high caution for travel," he said.

Forbes Magazine listed Kenya alongside Mexico, Turkey, Maldives, French Polynesia, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia as the countries with good trend in taming Covid-19.

The country is seen as a favourable destination choice due to its lenient entry requirements. Foreigners only need proof of a Covid-19 negative test certificate conducted within 96 hours of arrival.

The current drop in cases of infections has also placed the country in a favourable position.

“It’s interesting to note that Kenya restarted international flights to and from the country on August 1, and since then case numbers have steadily decreased,” reads the article by Forbes Magazine.