Tourism operators rally in wake of Kenya attack

Australian tour operators and Kenya Tourism Board’s local representatives are rallying to ensure would-be travellers to Kenya do not deter holiday plans and are equipped with facts pertaining to the recent terrorism attack to hit the country.

The militant attack, allegedly by a group from neighbouring Somalia, on the university in Garissa which killed 148 on April 2, is said to have the potential to cloud tourism growth despite being 370km’s from Nairobi and in a district not frequented by tourists.

Kenya’s tourism industry has experienced an upward trend since 2013, and contributes heavily toward the country’s US$55 billion GDP.

Both Kenya Tourism Board Australia (KTB) and Australian-based tour operator, Wildlife Safari are advising AUstralian travellers that the attack was in a remote area, 150 km from the Somalia border, and are continuing to encouraged visitors to keep travel plans.

“This northeast region of the country is not on any safari itinerary and is never visited by tourists,” Wildlife Safari, managing director, Trevor Fernandes told Travel Weekly.

“All of these wildlife sanctuaries are a long distance from Garissa and surrounding areas so there is no need to change your travel plans.”

“(KTB) encourages visitors to remain committed to Kenya as a holiday destination,” KTB spokesperson Sarah Anderson said.

Fernandes also highlighted attacks of the kind should not be spotlighted as only occurring in Kenya, but the country requires international support to prevent further violence.

“Like various other terrorist groups that claim to represent the Islamic religion in its most extreme form, Al Shabaab is part of a global network united by its common hatred of the civilised world. Its abhorrent acts, under differing franchise trademarks, occur all over the globe, and are not limited to Kenya alone,” he said.

“It’s now time for the West to step up to the plate and assist countries like Kenya who continue to bear the brunt of terrorism.”

Kenyan authorities have also increased security at airports throughout the country following the attack.

“All current and future visitors to Kenya should be aware that every possible precaution is being taken to protect visitors and citizens,” Fernandes said.

Image: Golf Kenya

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Attacks Garissa Garissa University kenya terrorism