Tourism players reject US advisory
By Harrison.Kivisu, October 7, 2022Coast region players have condemned the latest travel advisory issued by the United States to its citizens cautioning them against travelling to the coastal region.
Hoteliers and tourism stakeholders from the region said yesterday that the advisory was ill-intended as it comes at a time when no terror incidents have been recorded in the region.
The sentiments by the hoteliers came hours after the United States issued an advisory asking its citizens to exercise increased caution when travelling to the coast region.
Increased caution
The advisory, posted on the US Department of State website, called on its citizens to exercise increased caution when travelling to counties around the Kenya-Somali border and some coastal areas saying they are prone to terrorism and kidnapping.
“Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time. Local police are willing but often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks. Emergency medical and fire service is also limited,” reads the advisory.
The Kenya Coast Tourism Association (KCTA) Chairman Victor Shitakha (pictured)termed the advisory as unfair to the region, which enjoys a huge boost of foreign tourists due to the relative calm experienced.
Shitakha said the move would affect the tourism sector, which is recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic, and political temperatures during the just concluded general elections.