WTTC chief flies in to show support for Nairobi
Kenyan tourism authorities have moved to allay fears about the safety of travel to Nairobi, which is a hub for international tourists visiting Africa’s game parks.
In Nairobi yesterday, the Africa Hotel Investment Forum went ahead as planned, despite the terrorist incident at the Westgate shopping centre on Saturday, which killed at least 62 people.
Jonathan Worsley, chairman, of forum organiser Bench Events said: “The Westgate incident is horrific and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families, who have suffered the most shocking blow.
"The goal of terrorists is to spread fear and disrupt lives and we know that if we change our plans adversely – they win."
David Scowsill, president & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), flew to Nairobi yesterday to attend the forum.
"It is important that the travel industry supports Kenya at this difficult time,” he said.
According to WTTC, travel and tourism is one of Kenya’s largest industries, responsible for 12.5% of GDP, and 11% of total employment, – 600,000 jobs.
The Kenyan government says it has taken control of the Nairobi shopping mall where Islamist militants have been besieged for more than two days.
Among those reported killed in the shopping centre attack is a 33-year-old Australian architect who designed an AIDS hospital in Kenya pro bono and helped to develop an eco-village using local labour. His Netherlands-born partner also died.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season