Protecting tourists and tourism

The FCO’s advice to UK travellers against all but essential travel to a number of areas of Kenya may not be in total harmony with Kenya tourism chief’s message that business is as usual in most of the country. However, to protect their tourism industry what else are they to say?

Gary Jacobs from marketing firm, Fox Kalomaski Crossing (FKC) looks at the impact of terrorism in Kenya.

20 years ago when I first visited Kenya for a safari holiday there were warnings of safety issues in Nairobi and warnings against straying too close to the Tanzanian border for fear of guerrilla groups kidnapping foreign tourists.  The messages were clear but the reality of any safety issues seemed too remote to worry about and my anticipated new experiences of this special holiday destination too precious to warrant any curtailment.

Tourism is Kenya’s leading foreign exchange earner and significant events such as the terrorist attack on the Westgate shopping centre in Nairobi may have a hugely detrimental impact on Kenya’s GDP output in the years ahead. 

However, the important word is may, as world events have shown that the average British tourist is largely resilient to unrest in destinations that offer either unique and authentic experiences or great value for money.  When the Arab spring was in full flight in Tunisia, some British tourists who were asked to leave the country were reported to have stood their ground and insisted on finishing their hard earned vacation.

Thailand, Egypt, the US and the UK itself have all suffered terribly at the hands of terrorism or natural disaster however, the UK outbound tourist is a resilient soul and the lure of a great experience and a truly wonderful destination will help the country to endure, recover and deliver well in to the future. 

How the Westgate siege ends, how the story unfolds, how the media reports on this tragic event and on any further terrorist actions taken by the fundamentalists groups responsible for this outrage, all will affect how the British travelling public makes up its mind on whether Kenya really can protect them and keep them safe in their country.

The tourism chiefs in Kenya must be resourceful in protecting the balance of trade in tourism but so too must they be determined to protect the lives of those who offer them a sound financial future.

See today’s news story, Kenya calls on travel industry for its support following attack on shopping mall in Nairobi last weekend which killed more than 70 people.