Tourism CS Najib Balala has called for transformation of Kenya Beach Destinations. This was during the Tourism Symposium that was held today in Diani,Kwale County.
The symposium brought together National & County governments, hotel owners, investors, business leaders, experts in various distinct fields to brainstorm on how to rebrand & repackage the beach product.
Najib Balala said that Kenya Tourism performance surpassed 2million international arrival in 2018, with over US$ 157billion in Tourism receipts and contributing 10% of our GDP.
Despite the increase in Tourism arrivals, those to the beach destination declined by more than 50%.
In 2007, the total visitor arrivals at Moi International airport Mombasa were 276,316, while in 2018 the figures were only 118,113.
The CS also stated that Kenya used to have 40 Charters in MIAM, currently we have 15 charters.
Kenya also had the African Safari Club, Alliance Hotels, African Tours & Hotels, unfortunately none of them exists today and only a few have been renovated.
Najib Balala also highlighted the beach boys menace, poor infrastructure, garbage collection & insecurity as the biggest challenges in the tourism industry.
He also said that tourismbeing a competitive space, people should stop pointing fingers and address the challenges by providing solutions.
“If we are committed and focused – in the Kenyan style of being champions like the marathoners – we will be able to overcome these challenges quickly” he said
Balala also stated that there are a lot of surveys & studies, which prove that Kenya can perform better with its assets that is Beach, Safari & warm, friendly people.
He revealed that the Government’s plan is also to define the Coast & make the beach destination distinct, to enable us not only increase our numbers but offer memorable experiences.