Kenyans be Good Ambassadors for Tourism Industry, says CS

By Mwakwaya Raymond

Kenya is doing well on tourists’ sites and tourism industry at large

The position of Kenya in the global tourism circuit economy places the country as one of the leading destinations endowed with many attractive tourist sites spread across the land.

In a speech during the United Nations World Tourism Day, tourism and wildlife cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano says the beautiful beaches found along the coastal seafront, wonderful mountains in upcountry and rich cultural traditions within the various communities have put Kenya at the centre of world’s destinations circuit.

According to her Kenyans should appreciate such God-given wonders and capitalise on them to maximise their economic potential.

“Kenyans have every reason to embrace these tourists attraction spots to enhance tourism revenue and uplift their livelihoods by initiating economic development activities.”

The CS noted that for Kenyans to reap much from the tourism industry they should be ‘good ambassadors’ by speaking positively about their country so as to attract more foreign visitors every year.

“You should love your country as much as you love yourself because the two go hand in hand.”

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir shared the same sentiments calling on stakeholders in the sector to stay focused and not to be swayed by political rhetorics.

“The trajectory is high we have very good figures and numbers do not lie, just forge ahead and leave all politics to law makers,” he said.

tourism and wildlife cabinet secretary Rebecca Miano at Mama Ngina waterfront. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

The governor condemned a clique of Kenyans who were out to malign and paint the country in bad test before the world.

“Despite all the bad mouths about the country, we still have tremendously performed so well hitting 2.4 million tourists mark that translates to 15 percent increase in 2024.”

Records indicate that Kenya whooped Ksh452.2 billion in revenue after

receiving 2.4 million tourists in contrast to Tanzanian 2.1 million last year.

The industry’s contribution to the Ksh1.2 trillion generated for the national economy in the same year supported 1.7 million jobs.

The CS challenged Kenyans to fully exploit the tourism sector by harnessing all its potential to ensure its sustainable transformation and its empowerment to communities around it.

“Here in Mombasa, where heritage and vibrant marine biodiversity coexist seamlessly with modern aspirations, the theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’ finds its perfect resonance.”

She said a total of 3.5 million Kenyans have been absorbed in the tourism sector, 80% of whom being under 35 years, thus encouraging youths to be proactive on matters tourism.

The secretary singled out Kilifi and Kwale counties for

having forged ahead with tangible impact by focusing on local communities.

According to her empowerment of youth and women, particularly through skill development and market access is paramount.

Mombasa governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)

The week-long world tourism day celebrations have been going on at Mama Ngina Waterfront bringing together various communities performing different cultural traditional songs and dances.

The tourism and wildlife principal secretary John Ololtuaa, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko alongside other dignitaries attended the celebration that began with a procession from Uhuru Gardens to the waterfront.