Kilifi launches new tourism product to boost visitor numbers

Malindi,

Monday September 11, 2023

KNA by Emmanuel Masha

The Kilifi County Government has unveiled a new tourism product known as the Kenyan Riviera to help boost tourist numbers in the county.

The aim, according to Governor Gideon Mung’aro, is to increase the number of local and international tourists from the current 39,000 annually to 500,000.

At a colourful ceremony held at the Malindi Golf and Country Club, Mr. Mung’aro said the product would act as a new tourism marketing tool that would seek to strategically promote Kilifi County’s unique tourism attractions globally.

“We are committed to unlocking the opportunities that this sector presents by increasing the number of tourists that visit Kilifi from the current 39,000 to 500,000 annually,” he said.

Saying that tourism is one of the key economic stimulants that supports livelihoods directly and indirectly in the county, Mr. Mung’aro said the new product, to be championed by the Kilifi Riveria Tourist Association, would mark the beginning of an aggressive tourism marketing strategy.

“It is my pleasure to unveil to you the Kilifi Riviera Tourists Association, a public-private initiative focused on making the dream of marketing Kilifi as a preferred tourist destination a reality,” he said.

The association is being chaired on an interim basis by Mr. Titus Kangangi, a seasoned hotelier in the North Coast Region.

“This product encapsulates and markets Kilifi as a place of unparalleled natural beauty, breathtaking pristine beaches, azure waters and lush tropical landscapes; a gem of authentic African experience rich in culture, history and warm hospitality,” he said.

The fete that was held at the Malindi Golf Club was attended by Mr. Petter Maddens, the Belgian Ambassador, his Ugandan counterpart Hassan Galiwango and Malindi Member of Parliament Amina Mnyazi among others, including tourism stakeholders.

Kenya Riviera consists of a website which showcases the beauty and unique products available for tourists and market them to the rest of the world for tourists to visit the destination and enjoy.

 Mung’aro said the association would work with the County’s Department of Trade and Tourism, all hotels and tourist resorts, as well as with all other tourism-related organizations.

“The association will also work closely with the CEC Member for Trade and Tourism, Ms Clara Chonga and Chief Officer Herbert Mwachiro to ensure its dreams are realized,” he said and called on all the stakeholders to support them.

The governor said the county was committed to providing a world-class experience while preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage that makes the county unique.

He announced that his government would soon inaugurate the Kilifi County Investment Corporation which he said would work hand in hand with the tourism department and the association to market Kilifi as a destination of choice for local and international tourists.

“In efforts to make sure the tourism sector grows, I will be leading a delegation to Slovakia for a trade and tourism mission from September 17, 2023, while another team from this county will visit Belgium on September 26, 2023.

Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens hailed the county government for coming up with the initiative and pledged his country’s support in promoting the county’s tourism.

Noting that culture was paramount in tourism promotion, Mr. Maddens said he expected that cultural tourism would be part of the product unveiled by Kilifi County.

Hassan Galiwango, Uganda's Ambassador to Kenya pledged unequivocal support for Kenyan tourism, expressing optimism that the new product will attract more Ugandan tourists to Kilifi.

Kilifi Riviera Tourist Association interim chairman Titus Kangangi said the new product will be a game changer for tourism in Kilifi and called for cooperation from all stakeholders.

Courtesy; KNA