Remote Kenyan resorts threatened
The future of exclusive holidays in remote locations on the east African coast could be under threat if pirates have switched to attacks on land rather than sea.
African operators fear the recent murder of David Tebbutt and kidnap of his wife Judith off the coast of Kenya signals a new tactic by pirates or extremists in the region.
But the Foreign Office and African operators argue the larger, busier resorts are not at risk.
Nigel Vere Nicoll, managing director of the African Travel and Tourism Assocation, said travel specialists should carry out their own maritime risk assessments and that ATTA may look to initiate an assessment for members in order to cut costs.
“We do not consider the majority of costal properties frequented by the UK tourist industry to be at risk but consideration in the form of a maritime risk assessment may need to be given to remote maritime locations,” he said.
“The majority of costal tourism in Kenya is to well-populated areas with excellent security such as Diani, Nyali, Watamu, Malindi and the main island of Lamu so that tour operators have no reason for concern.
“However our industry has never experienced a kidnap situation before involving tourists and naturally the industry needs to assess this new threat and the possible risks that could be involved.”
Nicoll, who was speaking from the African Tourism Forum in New York, said the new threat of kidnap would be one of the items debated by ministers and tourism officials.
The Foreign Office is only advising against travel within 30 kilometres of the Somali border despite the incident at Kiwayu taking place 45 kilometres from Somalia.
Agents should comply with Foreign Office advice and use their discretion when advising customers as many resorts on the east coast of Africa are still safe.
Safari Consultants in Suffolk, who organised the holiday for the Tebbutts, claimed it is a whole new dimension for the travel industry.
“It’s a double edged sword. If we ask for more clarification then the Government can be over cautious.
“The Government knows what it is doing and we will follow the lines they set,” said Bill Adams of Safari Consultants.
“It’s a new dimension – now that pirates are attacking land-based targets as well as sea, it’s much more difficult.”
The Kenya Tourist Federation has already said it will spearhead an internal security audit aimed at identifying any other locations in the area that may require enhanced security.
Ali Babitu Kololo appeared in court in Kenya yesterday denying the murder of Mr Tebbutt and working with gunmen to kidnap Judith Tebbutt.
By Diane Evans
Diane
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