Kenya reassures tourists following ‘despicable act of cowardice’
Kenya’s tourism chiefs have issued a statement in a bid to calm fears following an attack on a shopping centre.
Phyllis Kandiecabinet, secretary for East Africa Commerce and Tourism said the tourism sector joins other Kenyans in condoling the bereaved families, including those of foreigners who have lost their lives during the Westgate attacks.
"The attack was a despicable act of cowardice intended to instill fear among Kenyans and our visitors, but the attackers must never be allowed to have their way," she said.
"We are hereby therefore affirming that normal activities are going on in all parts of the country despite this grave and enormous challenge."
She said the country wished to assure tourists that it is peaceful and that security agencies are doing everything possible to ensure that everyone is safe.
"Tour operators and travel agents have confirmed that tourism activities continue uninterrupted," she said.
"The government has also scaled up security in other social places across the country.
"Consequently we are extending a hand of welcome to all those arriving from tomorrow to Kenya to attend two critical conferences namely; Africa Hotel and Investment Forum and the Eco tourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference taking place in Nairobi ahead of other upcoming international events to be hosted in the country."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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