Tourism sector upbeat as more hotels reopen
Kenya’s tourism industry is upbeat and expects a good rebound as it seeks to turn gastronomy or food tourism into a major tool for development.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said the industry is expected to record a rebound in the next two months as major hotels in the country reopen after almost two years of closure due to the effects Covid-19.
Balala who spoke during the launch of a gastronomy tourism video experience which highlights and promotes Nairobi as a prime gastronomy destination said the industry expects improved numbers within the period.
Some of the major hotels expected to reopen between the month of April and May include Fairmont the Norfolk, Radisson Blue located at Upper Hill and the Mount Kenya Safari club among others.
Fresh breath
Balala said the re-opening of the facilities brings a fresh breath into the sector that has been slowed with the effect of the corona pandemic. Kenya Tourism Board CEO Betty Radier said gastronomy has unlocked new opportunities for the hospitality and tourism sector, and seeks to spur the growth of local and international cuisine in Nairobi, which adds value to the Kenyan experience for travellers
“We shall continue to work together with stakeholders to ensure that we market and get maximum value from this sub-sector,” she said.
