Tourism CS Balala says ‘the heart’ of tourism is in the counties

Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Najib Balala has described county governments as ‘the heart of tourism’ while stressing the need to reinvigorate domestic tourism. Mr Balala advised tourism stakeholders to work together in repositioning their strategies to enhance domestic tourism in the 47 counties.

He observed that foreign and local tourism activities were heavily interlinked and cut across counties. The CS made the remarks when he graced the Lamu Cultural Festival. The festival attracted one of the largest crowds in its 14-year history. He appealed to county governments to come up with innovative tourism strategies that would tap the unexploited tourism potential in counties.

He stated that for a long time tourism stakeholders have continued to depend on foreign tourism which has on several occasions caused fallen leading to low tourism foreign arrivals. Mr Balala said domestic tourism is more reliable since it’s predictable. He urged county governments to be more vibrant in promotiong tourism related events.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala says focus should be on promoting domestic tourism.

“I am foreseeing a future where county governments will take full charge of tourism activities, carrying out promotional techniques while at the same time collaborating with the Tourism Ministry to focus on the international market. I believe Kenya will be the country to watch in tourism arrivals in the next two years,” Mr Balala said. “Foreign Tourists come to our country because we are an active base of exciting tourism. We must therefore rejuvenate our local tourism industry to give it a fresher taste,” remarked the CS.

This year (2015), more than 20,000 visitors from across the globe thronged Lamu archipelago for the 15th Lamu Cultural Festival. Lamu experienced high arrivals of both domestic and international tourists reportedly causing accommodation crisis within Lamu Island and Shella seaside tourist town among other adjacent towns’ facilities.

Lamu Governor Mr Issa Timamy acknowledged the shortage of accommodation facilities noting, “There was huge demand for accommodation since this is the highest turnout experienced in the recent years. Some visitors had to seek for accommodation on the mainland towns of Mokowe and Hindi five kilometers away. Others had to travel to Mpeketoni 40 kilometers away.”

Mr Timamy said the massive arrival of guests boosted small traders. “I am thrilled with the way the visitors have turned up for this year’s festival. Indeed they have sent a strong signal that Lamu is safe,” said the Lamu Governor.

Dignitaries who graced the event included Omani Deputy Ambassador, French Ambassador, Spanish Ambassador and officials from the Ministry of Tourism. The dignitaries met local key players who have been pushing for aggressive marketing of Lamu as a unique tourism destination.

The annual Lamu Festival activities take place for a period of 4 days to showcase heritage and musical traditions from civilizations that have influenced the Swahili culture over the centuries.

The Festival also highlights Lamu’s heritage in a carnival atmosphere featuring traditional dances, dhow races, swimming races, donkey races, poetry competition, football tournaments, traditional displays, exhibitions and live musical performances.

The Lamu Cultural Festival was founded in the wake of the El Nino phenomenon of 1997-1998 which adversely affected many parts of the Coast Province. The El Nino rains virtually washed away roads linking Lamu to the other parts of the Country. This aspect pulled back Lamu’s vibrant economy which relies on tourism, fishing and agriculture.

In a bid to revive Lamu’s economic destination, 16 young Lamu entrepreneurs formed the Lamu Cultural Promotion Group in August 2001 when they organized the first Lamu Cultural Festival. The festival created a spirit of unity in difficult times, bringing together the local communities in a celebration of their culture and identity as well as visitors along Kenya’s Coast on the Indian Ocean.

Since this inaugural Festival in 2001, the year that also saw Lamu Old Town declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Festival has taken on greater significance. The Festival continues to promote a World Heritage Site that constitutes the common heritage of humanity and shares its distinct Swahili heritage with the World while boosting the local economy.