Nyeri: Nyeri Trade, Tourism, Culture and Cooperatives Chief Officer, George Mwangi, has called for enhanced measures to help boost the tourism sector in the country. Mwangi emphasized the need for government investment to popularize the sector from the grassroots level, enabling counties to become integral drivers of the industry.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mwangi spoke at the FK Resort during a regional stakeholders meeting focused on the Draft National Tourism Policy and Tourism Act 2024. He highlighted the lack of awareness among Kenyans about local tourist attractions, using Nyeri County’s sites like the Baden Powell monuments and the Italian Memorial Church as examples. Mwangi urged the State Department for Tourism to collaborate with the county to promote key attractions such as Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ranges, which are vital sources of revenue and employment.
Mwangi noted that the county is actively working to enhance tourism sites and facilities by investing twenty million shillings, with plans for further investment. He stressed the sector’s potential benefits, including job creation for young people, and the importance of embracing tourism at both local and national levels to attract more visitors.
David Kinyangi, Director in the State Department for Tourism, stated that the government is formulating an enhanced policy document to transform the tourism industry. He assured participants that their input would be considered in finalizing documents outlining the industry’s operation.
The National Tourism Policy draft includes interventions such as establishing a National Convention Bureau (NCB) to promote business tourism through conferences, meetings, and conventions. The NCB will also invest in MICE infrastructure to expand business tourism.
The policy also aims to tap into the Health and Wellness Tourism segment, identified as an emerging trade in the sector. This segment leverages specialized hospitals, wellness infrastructure, and improved transport to attract travelers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care.
Section 3.2.7 of the policy document emphasizes government support for developing health and wellness tourism through investments in modern facilities and strengthening value chains among stakeholders.
The Tourism Bill 2024 proposes establishing a Tourism Research Institute to provide critical information for improving the sector. The institute will conduct research on disaster management and climate change adaptation, publishing annual reports for stakeholders.
The tourism sector recorded improved international arrivals in 2023, with a 31.5 percent increase to 1,951,185 visitors, compared to 2022’s 1,483,752, according to the State Department for Tourism. Kenya earned Sh352.54 billion from tourism, up from Sh268.09 billion in 2022, marking a 31.5 percent growth.
Despite challenges such as insecurity, political instability, and the Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism sector in Africa is on a recovery trajectory. The UN Barometer reported a 34 percent growth in global international tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2022.