This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
On July 1, 2020, Kenya took a significant step towards reviving its tourism industry by earning the Safe Travel Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).
The accreditation came in recognition of Kenya's adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols, dubbed 'Safe Travels,' in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the launch of the Tourism and Travel Health and Safety Protocols in Kenya, Tourism CS Najib Balala expressed optimism about reopening the tourism industry.
"I am delighted to announce that Kenya has been listed among the 80 global destinations certified and authorised to use the 'World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travel Stamp' together with our Magical Kenya Logo," Balala stated.
The WTTC Safe Travel Stamp will enable travelers to identify Kenya as a safe destination once the country reopens and implements the health and safety protocols.
Kenya is among the top destinations in Africa to receive the WTTC Safe Travel Stamp.
In a video message, Gloria Guevara, the president and CEO of WTTC, congratulated Kenya for implementing safety protocols that meet global standards.
"I congratulate Kenya for implementing safety protocols which are very important in recovering the trust of the travellers. The WTTC is giving you the Safe Travel Stamp because the measures are at the level of the global standards," Guevara stated.
As part of the measures to counter the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry, Balala announced a raft of protocols that will guide the sector's reopening.
"The protocols we have launched today will provide guidance for the tourism sector's reopening as we look to actualise the tourism recovery initiatives that have been facilitated by the government going forward," Balala added.
