This archive report was first published on 16 August 2019.
On August 16, 2019, Kenya's tourism industry was under threat from unscrupulous tour operators who were luring tourists with fake promises and ripping them off upon arrival.
These rogue operators were targeting unsuspecting visitors, promising them great and affordable tour packages, but once they arrived in the country, they were left stranded and financially exploited.
Their actions were eroding the reputation of Kenya as a hospitable destination and a hub for some of the world's best tourist attractions.
It was highly unlikely that tourists would venture out of their homes and travel to far away destinations where their safety could not be guaranteed.
However, it was encouraging to hear that the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife was investigating reports of unlicensed tour operators defrauding hundreds of tourists.
The con operators were mounting fake online campaigns, promising attractive packages to would-be visitors and asking them to make advance payments.
It was the responsibility of the Tourism Regulatory Authority, the Tourist Police Unit, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation to flush out and get the crooks arrested and charged.
