They came, planted trees, toured and rocked the lakeside County of Kisumu.
The grand finale of the five-day-long World Tourism Week activities came to an end with pomp and colour at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sportsground on September 27.
The whole fete was activated on September 23, with curated activities like tree planting in Kajulu Hills, Beach Sports, Boat Riding Competition, and Cultural events
Others included youth-led programs which included Street Art, and Hackathon which showcased skills and innovations, and a Media familiarization tour of Ndere Island National Park and Kit Mikayi (Historic Rock) in Seme Sub-County.
It birthed “One Tree One Tourist,” a Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife program which aims to encourage every visitor to participate in sustainable tree planting and growing while they savour the natural and beautiful serenities across the country.
World Tourism Day 2024
The hallmark of the UN World Tourism Day event began with the flagging off of the Peace Caravan by the Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife (CS) Rebecca Miano at the Kondele roundabout.
The five kilometre long procession comprising of various stakeholders received a warm reception from jubilant onlookers as it snaked its way to the official venue.
Guests were involved in a tree planting exercise as the exhibitors conducted brisk business with visitors from all walks of life.
In fairly warm weather, entertainment galore with poem recital, music and dances from Kagan-Kochia and Kit Mikayi Women Dancers, among others.
Chief Guest, Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano admitted to having had an experience like no other.
She noted that Kenya’s tourism is poised to grow exponentially with the launch of nine regional circuits to address current demands and emerging trends while aligning with conservation priorities.
“We are renewing our focus on domestic tourism under the banner of ‘Tembea Kenya’ initiative, and re-image tourist experiences by showcasing hidden gems aimed at boosting both local and international travels,’’ she clarified during the fete.
Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu who doubles up as the Council of Governors (COG)Tourism and Wildlife Committee Chairman stressed the significance of empowering communities through tourism.
“Tourism, if well harnessed could become the largest contributor to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a major source of employment for the youth which is one of the government’s key agendas,’’ Ntutu outlined.
He encouraged counties to learn and work together as he revealed that his administration was able to raise its revenue collection from Sh1.3 billion to Sh4.7 billion.
Celebrating culture
Governor Ntutu invited participants to the upcoming Piny Luo Cultural Festival (Siaya), and Maa Festival (Samburu) to be held in September and November respectively.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr Mathews Owili said that hosting World Tourism Week allowed them to showcase to the world its potential as a unique tourist destination in the Western Circuit.
“Kisumu is peaceful and that’s why we successfully bade, won and hosted the UN World Tourism Day. We have also positioned ourselves as the Citadel of Conference Tourism in Africa by hosting the Africities Summit, the 5th FESTAC, and Fish Fiesta which is our signature event running in its third year,’’ he said.
He pointed out that Kisumu has always offered a seamless connection to Masai Mara Game Reserve and urged the Tourism Fund to increase its allocation, especially to hoteliers to develop the industry.
Parliamentary Tourism Committee emphasized the need to use the sector to foster cultural exchange and inclusion world.
“We urge our county governments to invest more in tourism to empower the community and spur growth. It will address geopolitical tensions, bridge cultural disparity, and break racial and tribal barriers which are a constant challenge in the society.,’’ remarked Hon. Innocent Mugabe, Likuyani MP who led the parliamentary delegation on behalf of its chairman.
He championed the inclusion of the local communities in the Tourism Value Chain and tapped into Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE), an industry which he described as the low-hanging fruits.
