Tourists cancel bookings after travel advisories

By Kipchumba Kemei
Security fears: Most tourists who had booked earlier to stay during the Easter weekend have cancelled because of the US and UK advisories which we believe was uncalled for. This will be the first time in many years that we will not be receiving tourists

Hoteliers in Masai Mara Game Reserve have decried massive cancellation of bookings by foreign tourists after the US and UK issued travel advisories.

“Most tourists who had booked earlier to stay during the Easter weekend have cancelled because of the advisories, which we believe was uncalled for. This will be the first time in many years that we will not be receiving tourists,” said Mr Ben Kipeno, who owns a tented camp.

He said Britain and US are Kenya’s leading markets and asked the Inspector General of Police to beef up security in the reserve and Narok town during the long weekend.

He disclosed that since January, most hotels sent their workers on leave because of low arrivals, and warned should violence break out after the Supreme Court ruling, the tourism industry will be adversely affected.

However, the hoteliers are optimistic of recovering losses they incurred in July when the tourism peak season kicks off. They appealed to the Government to aggressively market the country abroad and diversify tourism products to stop reliance on game and beach Safaris.

They spoke as other stakeholders appealed to Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo to upgrade Sekenani Police Outpost to a police station to boost security.

National Tour Guides and Drivers Association Chairman Joseph Parpai said police in the park should be equipped with vehicles, weapons and other equipment to fight criminal activities.