Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano/HANDOUTTourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has urged Kenyans to take advantage of Tourism Week to explore the country’s diverse attractions and rediscover the country as a leading tourism destination.
Miano said the celebrations, running from September 21 to 27, provide an opportunity for Kenyans to appreciate the country’s tourism, cultural, conservation, sporting and culinary wealth.
She said tourism should not be viewed as an experience reserved for international visitors, urging Kenyans to take ownership of the sector and explore destinations across the country.
“Tourism should not be viewed as an experience reserved for international visitors. It belongs to every Kenyan,” Miano said.
She pointed to the beaches of the Coast, landscapes of the Rift Valley, cultural heritage sites and wildlife as some of the experiences Kenyans can explore during the week.
“From the beaches of the Coast to the landscapes of the Rift Valley, from our rich cultural heritage to our magnificent wildlife, every corner of our country has a story worth discovering,” she said.
Miano said this year’s Tourism Week celebrations are also highlighting the growing role of technology in transforming how people experience destinations.
She said the Government, in collaboration with partners, will facilitate virtual tourism experiences that will enable Kenyans to explore some of the country’s iconic attractions from their homes and offices.
One of the featured experiences will allow Kenyans to virtually explore Nairobi National Park, bringing the wildlife sanctuary closer to audiences through digital technology.
Miano described Nairobi National Park as a unique tourism attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to experience wildlife and nature against the backdrop of a modern city.
The CS said the special offers and experiences lined up during the week are intended to encourage domestic tourism while promoting appreciation of Kenya’s tourism and wildlife resources.
She said the Government is implementing policies aimed at strengthening conservation, promoting innovation, improving visitor experiences and creating an enabling environment for tourism enterprises to grow.
Miano added that tourism plays a wider economic and social role by supporting businesses, creating employment and opening markets for creative industries, artisans, farmers, transport operators and hospitality businesses.
“Tourism is about people. It supports businesses, creates employment, strengthens communities and provides markets for our creative industries, artisans, farmers, transport operators and hospitality businesses,” she said.
She said technology, innovation and immersive experiences would increasingly shape the future of tourism, urging Kenya to remain at the forefront of the transformation.
Miano encouraged Kenyans to visit destinations, explore museums, experience local cuisine, learn about wildlife or use digital platforms to discover attractions they may not have experienced before.
“Our message during World Tourism Week is therefore simple: Kenya is open, diverse, innovative and ready to be discovered,” she said.
She urged Kenyans to celebrate the country’s heritage, support local tourism enterprises and take pride in its diverse attractions.
“I invite all Kenyans to join us during Tourism Week and rediscover Kenya — physically or virtually,” Miano said.
