Author: Njonjo Kihuria
Date: February 10, 2007
Type of article: Business News
Source: The East African Standard http://www.eastandard.net/archives/index.php?mnu=details&id=1143964654&catid=14

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The Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) has asked more tourists to visit Kenya despite the worrying reports that crime rate was soaring.

And the Managing Director Dr Ongong’a Achieng’ is asking the media not to "blow" the security reports, saying it did not compare to what is happening in the Western world.

Being gunned down or bombed, Achieng’ said, was more real in New York City, for example, than being carjacked in Nairobi.

He was speaking at KTB offices when he signed a contract to sponsor, for the second time, KTN’s Out and About programme aired on Saturdays at 6.30pm.

Standard Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr Paul Wanyagah signed on behalf of KTN.

In the past few weeks, innocent citizens, visitors and police have been killed by gun-wielding gangsters in major towns, attracting wide and consistent media coverage.

So far, the American embassy in Nairobi issued a travel advisory claiming the violent attacks could occur at "anytime and any place" in the country.

But Achieng’ said the issue had been blown out of proportion and commended tourists who have ignored the travel alerts.

Wanyagah said tourism, with its multiplier effects, was key to economic growth and urged more Kenyans to take up domestic tourism.

He urged the board to continue with its focus on uplifting and nurturing domestic tourism, saying the KTN programme would place the sub-sector on a higher pedestal.

Out and About is a KTN programme that captures majestic scenes on the local tourist circuits. This season the programme will start on February 17.

Achieng’ urged the media to highlight domestic tourism more, saying it was picking up, and made 30 per cent of last year’s earnings.

"That is why we are willing to work with the local media to market domestic tourism."

Of the 1.8 million visitors last year, about half came from the neighbouring countries, said Achieng’.

He urged local investors to invest in villas and family homes to accommodate tourists, saying bed shortage during boom was persistent.

"It is happening in other countries and Kenyans also proved they could host tourists in their homes during the just concluded World Social Forum."