18 January, 2016

Kenya works hard to woo travellers back

The Kenyan Government has unveiled a major tourism incentive package in a bid to boost visitor numbers and entice travellers back after a wave of extremist attacks saw tourism numbers plummet.

President Uhuru Kenyatta last week announced the implementation of an “unprecedented” program of incentives such as visa waivers, park fee reductions, infrastructure improvements and increased services as the country strives to reinvigorate the country’s struggling tourism industry.

He announced the raft of measures last week at the opening of English Point Marina, a major new resort in Mombasa County.

“In return, I must ask all players to respond to these initiatives, and to the ongoing consultations, with the seriousness they deserve. It is time to make the most of our heritage and our gifts,” Kenyatta said.

He also highlighted investment into the area of security – which became a major concern for tourists following the attacks.

“The improvements in security are there for all to see. We dare not allow that momentum to be lost,” he said.

Kneyatta thanked the United States, United Kingdom and French governments for the recent lifting of travel advisories.

“They recognise, as well as we do, that security here has vastly improved, and that there is much to be gained by partnering with Kenya and the region,” he said.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade currently gives the following advice to travellers: “We advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the high threat of terrorist attack and high level of crime.

Higher levels apply in some parts of the country, including Nairobi.

The changes are:

• Visa fees for children less than 16 years are to be waived indefinitely from 1 February 2016

• VAT charges on national park entry fees are to be completely removed, with Kenya Wildlife Service Park fees to be capped at USD$60 (down from USD$90) for the 2016/17 financial year

• The Charter Incentive Scheme, currently waiving landing fees at Mombasa and Malindi airports and providing a USD$30 rebate for all disembarking tourists, is now set to continue until 30 June 2018 to help the industry regain its full strength

• The President has also set aside Kshs1.2 billion for charter incentives to stimulate interest from potential new charters to the coastal region, while at the same time encouraging those already flying throughout the area to increase their flight frequency

• The upcoming expansion of Malindi Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are set to ease the arrival of visitors as well as offer facilities to handle the increase in global travellers the President anticipates

• Kenya’s coastal region will also see the construction of the Port – Reitz Mombasa Road and the Dongo – Kundu Bypass, allowing tourists to travel to the South Coast (Diani) without having to use the ferry service

Image credit: iStock

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