This archive report was first published on 3 August 2020.
Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), the national apex body of tourism private sector players, has urged the government to reconsider its decision to deny tourists seeking to travel to Kenya for holiday from regions perceived to be Covid-19 hotspots.
According to KTF national chairman, Mr. Mohamed Hersi, many visitors eager for holiday in Kenya have already booked tickets to come but their countries of origin were not on the list issued by the government as those that are allowed to have their citizens enter Kenya.
"The exclusion of nations will completely undermine all efforts already put in place by the country's tourism marketer, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and private sector players in attracting few travellers who would wish to visit Africa and Kenya," Hersi said.
He added that the exclusion will further negatively affect the troubled national carrier, Kenya Airways.
"It is in our interest that while we place conditions to protect ourselves, we also do it with reasons," Hersi said.
At the same time, KTF lauded efforts by the government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We will continue to play our part as an industry in supporting our government in dealing with this crisis. As an industry we were in the forefront in drafting and executing detailed guidelines and protocols in mitigating against the risk of Covid-19," Hersi said.
He noted that the tourism sector has been the biggest casualty of this pandemic.
"Tourism businesses have been non-operational for over four months but despite this they have continued to protect jobs and wages of the over 3 million Kenyans employed in the sector," Hersi added.
On August 1st, 2020, the government issued a list of 19 countries which it certified to have its nationals allowed to fly into Kenya following the resumption of international flights.
"We hope and trust that our pleas will be considered since time is of great essence to avoid massive cancellations," Hersi said.
