This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Kenya's tourism sector is taking a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the government is taking steps to mitigate the impact. As of July 1, 2020, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has reduced entry fees to all its game parks and reserves by 50%.
The decision, announced by Tourism CS Najib Balala, aims to make Kenya's wildlife attractions more accessible to tourists and stimulate the tourism industry's recovery. The reduced fees will apply to all tourist categories, including local, residents, and international visitors, for a period of one year.
According to Balala, the move is a response to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, which has severely affected the tourism and wildlife sector. He has also urged lodge owners to use the funds from the moratorium to improve user experiences and promote KWS parks as preferred tourist destinations for safaris.
Additionally, filmmakers will enjoy a 50% reduction on filming fees for both local and international producers. The new rates, as outlined by KWS, are expected to boost the tourism sector's recovery and make Kenya's wildlife attractions more competitive globally.
As the world continues to grapple with the pandemic, Kenya's tourism sector is looking to promote its sites both locally and globally. In April, Balala stated during an online tourism stakeholder conference that they had put in place measures to ensure the speedy recovery of the tourism sector post-COVID-19 era.
"We have to restart and reset the industry from a new slate going forward," Balala said.
