Kenya makes tourism pledge in terror attack wake

Kenya makes tourism pledge in terror attack wake
By admin


The Kenyan government has confirmed that two major tourism conferences will go ahead as planned as it sought to reassure visitors in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on a Nairobi shopping mall.

The attack on the Westgate Centre, claimed by Somali-militant group al-Shabab, saw 68 lives lost, including an Australian-British national and many more injured. Security forces are still working to end the stand-off.

“The tourism sector joins other Kenyans in condoling the bereaved families including those of foreigners, who have lost their lives during the Westgate attack,” cabinet secretary Phyllis Kandie said.

She described the act as “despicable” but insisted the attackers must not succeed in instilling fear among Kenyans and visitors to the country.

Activities will therefore “continue as normal” in all other parts of the country with this week’s Africa Hotel and Investment Forum and the Eco Tourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference to proceed as planned.

“We wish to assure tourists that our security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure security levels and procedures are maintained and heightened in the aftermath of these events,” Kandie said.

“The safety and security of our people and visitors is our paramount priority.”

Tourism activities will continue “uninterrupted", tour operators and travel agents across the country have confirmed, with the government committing to increase security in public places.

Yesterday, president Uhuru Kenyatta urged other countries not to issue travel advisories against visiting Kenya.

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