Kwale to leverage on award to woo tourists, investors

Kenya: Kwale County Government is banking on the recent selection of Diani Beach as Africa’s top beach destination by the World Tourism Awards (WTA) and success of the inaugural Destination Kwale Investment Forum to woo investors.

Speaking when he presided over the launch of Miss Tourism Kwale pageant at Ukunda on Thursday, Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya said the recent selection of Diani Beach as Africa’s top beach destination was an endorsement by global travel market of the region’s fine natural attractions.

“We wish to assure all that Kwale County apart from winning the coveted accolade is safe and secure for all,’’ the governor, flanked by his County Executive in-charge of Tourism and ICT Promotion, Mr Adan Sheikh, said.

“We are on track to development. The success of the investment forum has catapulted us to new levels and destination Kwale is the place to be for holiday,’’ he said.

Governor Mvurya also reached out to nations that had invoked travel advisories banning their nationals against travelling to Kenya to lift the advisories. Kenya’s top tourism market, the United Kingdom, Australia and the US warned their citizens against travelling to Kenya over insecurity concerns. However, UK has relaxed some of its advisories.

“We want to tell friendly states that had imposed the anti-travel notice to remove them. The industry is on a downward spiral as a result of the advisories,” Mvurya said.

Sheikh said the county government has committed to fully support the crown holder carry out her duties as Miss Tourism and help promote Kwale’s diverse tourism attractions.

Sheikh, a veteran hotelier said the county government is seeking to partner with the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the Tourism Recovery team formed by Cabinet Secretary in-charge of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Phyllis Kandie to market Kwale County in Germany, Italy and France.

“We have an attractive package for the winner to help her carry out duties effectively during the time of her crowning to enable the holder effectively discharge her duties,’’ Sheikh said.