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Kisumu county government has embarked on plans to revitalise the tourism sector amidst the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic to the industry.
Tourism executive Achie Alai said they have already brought on board key players within the sector to work on best measures targeted at jumpstarting the industry.
She said they have included airlines, hospitality industry, banks, tour operators and cultural groups in the ambitious programme.
While addressing the press on Friday at the National Museums in Kisumu, Alai said they have also incorporated the Kenya Wildlife Services together with the Western Kenya tourist circuit.
The executive said KWS is important in the entire package given the role of the department as a major tourist attraction in the country and Western Kenya at large.
Alai said Western Kenya has amazing tourist sites such as Ndere Island, the Kit Mikayi shrines, Lake Victoria, Simbi Nyaima Crater Lake and a diverse cultural identity based on arts and heritages.
“It is important to market the region following the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic which has ravaged many sectors of the economy. Tourism is one of the sectors hardest hit,” she said.
Already, she said they have lined up a number of activities ahead of World Tourism day which will be hosted at Ndere Island on Monday.
Alai said the arrival of tourists into the country and other parts including Kisumu is improving and very impressive.
The official noted that the hospitality sector plays a pivotal role in the tourism industry hence the need to incorporate the players in the sector.
She, however, noted that the sector has been hit hard by the pandemic even though it is gradually picking up.
On World tourism day, the incorporated players in the tourism sector will be showcasing what Kisumu has to offer especially as the economy gradually opens up.
Alia said Kisumu will be ready for the Africities Conference next year where at least 10,000 guests will be in attendance.
“The conference will provide us with an opportunity to market Kisumu and showcase what we have as a region” she said.
Alai said that all the Covid-19 protocols will strictly be observed during the conference.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)