Kenya says tourism sector picking up

Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto said Saturday he was impressed that coastal tourist resorts have seen a rise in bookings by tourists from across the globe, an indication that the sector was picking up.

Speaking when he presided over cultural festivals in Mombasa, Ruto urged hoteliers to set up standards that meet local and international demands.

"Hoteliers should change their mindset that some people were more special than others. All tourists should be given equal treatment irrespective of their colour, race or religion," said Ruto.

He said the ongoing UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) conference in Mombasa was also a boost to the sector.

"The conference has made it clear to the rest of the world that Kenya has stepped up its security efforts and that the country is a safe tourist destination," he said.

The deputy president's remarks came after the UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai endorsed the country as a safe destination amid a sharp drop in arrivals.

Rifai who arrived in Mombasa Thursday to attend the East African Tourism Development forum underway in Mombsa expressed confidence in the sector's growth.

"I am confident of the Kenyan destination. I can even bring my family tomorrow. Terrorism is not a Kenyan challenge, but a worldwide issue. It is not fair to say that terrorism is a Kenyan problem," Rifai said.

The number of visitors to Kenya fell by 25 percent in the first five months of 2015, reflecting how badly the industry has been damaged by a string of terror attacks that have killed hundreds.

Speaking at the cultural festivals, Ruto said the hospitality industry should do more to encourage domestic tourism as a measure to promote the sector instead of relying on international tourists alone.

"I am impressed that at least 80 percent of tourists in our beaches today are locals and people from the African region. We should encourage domestic tourism," he said.

He said cultural activities could bring the people together and share cultural values as well as the cohesion that exits among them as people of one destiny and aspirations.

The deputy president who also toured various exhibition stands said abundance of creative talents and rich cultural assets was a huge economic potential particularly for job creation. Endit