In the ranking by global travel publisher based in the UK, Rough Guides, Kenya has emerged position nine and the only African country in the top 10/FILE
In the ranking by global travel publisher based in the UK, Rough Guides, Kenya has emerged position nine and the only African country in the top 10.
Nepal has been rated the top must-visit country for 2016, followed by Colombia, Cuba, Jordan, Albania, Romania, Wales, El Salvador while position 10 was taken by Sri Lanka.
“Once you’ve had your fill of lion, leopard and elephant tracking, there are pristine white sands waiting along the Indian Ocean, the otherworldly landscapes of Lake Turkana and the beautiful tribes of the northern Chalbi desert to discover,” the publication explains.
It is however quick to note the challenges Kenya has gone through due to terror attacks since 2013, but explains the positive changes so far that have led to lifting of travel bans.
“Foreign media hasn’t been kind to Kenya lately, and the terrible attacks in Mombasa and Garissa in recent years have taken a heavy toll on the country’s tourism industry. However, travel bans have been lifted and most warnings are only in place within 60km of the Somali border, leaving the majority of this vast and breathtaking country safe for travel.”
The recognition comes barely a month after Kenya was named the world’s leading safari destination in 2015 by the World Travel Awards (WTA), ahead of her competitors like South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania and Uganda.
With much effort to deal with terror attacks which has hit hard the tourism sector, stakeholders remain optimistic that 2016 will be a good year.
The newly appointed Tourism Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala has already assured changes with his focus being on security, product development and marketing.
“Go now and you’ll support a struggling tourism industry, while reaping the benefits of having many of Kenya’s most popular attractions all to yourself,” Rough Guide urges to tourists around the World.
Apart from safaris and beaches, Kenya hopes to also improve conference tourism.
