Monday 21st September 2020: Turkana County will be hosting national celebrations for this year’s World Tourism Day as the region banks on improved security and infrastructure to spur tourism and investment opportunities.
According to the county Governor Josphat Nanok, ease of access to the region courtesy of improved infrastructure, good security and the coming up of new hotels are key indicators of a rebound of tourism business.
“We are privileged to host this year’s World Tourism Day celebrations and this is an endorsement of the county’s existing vast tourism products and experiences. We are going to speed up our programs to revive this sub-sector for the economic livelihoods of our people,” said the Governor.
The World Tourism Day is celebrated on 27th September every year, with this year’s theme being “Global community unites to celebrate tourism and rural development”. Turkana County has been selected to host the event to be held at Eliye Springs by Lake Turkana – the world’s second largest desert lake.
The Turkana Governor disclosed that the key achievement has been to bring together different communities in the region that share the lake’s resource with the aim of enhancing their living harmoniously.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala says Turkana County and the entire northern tourism circuit has added to the diversity of tourism products and experiences which are key unique selling proportions for the destination.
“The “Origin of Mankind”, adventures, cultures and the entire heritage gem in the region are key attractions, which need to be harnessed and showcased. My Ministry through Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will continue to identify key tourism attractions across the country for packaging and promoting,” says Balala.
The CS added that the current traveler needs to explore nature and preserved cultures noting that the northern part of the country had unexplored attractions.
He also noted that the Northern part of Kenya, has provided a fertile ground for archaeological research and filming sites that have attracted international film makers besides researchers.
The discovery and extraction of oil in Turkana county, the proposed tourist resort city in Isiolo county has been touted as some of the key indicators that the region is yet to tap into their rich potential in tourism activities.