Kenya has become one of the 11 countries, including Algeria, Tunisia and Turkey, that has been elected to represent Africa in the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Council (UNWTOC) for the next four years.
This was agreed on the 62nd Commission for Africa meeting held in the capital city of Russia, St Petersburg that started on September 9th and is to be held for the five consecutive days.
According to the Cabinet Secretary in Charge of Tourism, Mr Najib Balala, Kenya is also seeking to host the 24th General Assembly by the United Nations, a bi-annual tourism meet, in the next two years, wrestling for control with African and Asian countries such as Morocco and the Philippines, respectively.
Industry stakeholders have expressed confidence saying that if Kenya gets to hold the 24th General Assembly, it will elevate the country position as a destination for holding conferences.
The capital city of the country has in the past been able to host conferences such as the World Trade Awards.
Stats from Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) shows that international tourist arrivals in the country grew by 68 per cent last year, with a big chunk of it coming from China, whose citizens are likely to prime the tourism experience, as opposed to cost.
While the sector took a bad hit following the 2008 global financial crisis, tourism has been recognised as a key pillar for employment creation, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on “Decent Work and Economic Growth.”
Countries like Mozambique and Ghana had more international arrivals last year, standing at 145 per cent and 73 per cent, respectively.
The news is a boost for Kenya, though the country has been ranked position 82 compared to the previous years.
