As steps get into high gear on re-opening the country, Kenya has been awarded the Safe Travel Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) which is a forum for the travel and tourism industry.
The accreditation came in recognition of the country's adoption of the global health and hygiene standardized protocols dubbed 'Safe Travels' in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Making the announcement during the launch of the Tourism and Travel Health and Safety Protocols in Kenya on Wednesday, July 1, Tourism CS Najib Balala was optimistic in reopening the tourism industry in the country.
“I am delighted to announce that Kenya has been listed among the 80 global destinations certified and authorised to use the “World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travel Stamp” together with our Magical Kenya Logo.
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This stamp will allow travelers to recognise Kenya as a safe destination once we reopen and implement the health and safety protocols” he stated.
Kenya is among the top destinations in Africa to receive the WTTC Safe Travel Stamp.
In a video message, the president and CEO of WTTC Gloria Guevara stated, "I congratulate Kenya for implementing safety protocols which are very important in recovering the trust of the travellers. The WTTC is giving you the Safe Travel Stamp because the measures are at the level of the global standards."
Balala further announced a raft of measures that would be taken to counter the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the travel and tourism industry in Kenya.
“The protocols we have launched today will provide guidance for the tourism sector’s reopening as we look to actualise the tourism recovery initiatives that have been facilitated by the government going forward. I appreciate the National Tourism and Hospitality Protocols Taskforce for developing this document that will form a basis for proper reopening of the sector,” added Balala.
The health and safety protocols touched on the hotels, restaurants/eateries serving food and beverages operations; guests accommodation and housekeeping service, meetings, events, conference, exhibitions and entertainment; tours and travel agencies operations; adventure tourism; golf tourism, zip-lining tours; all professional safari providers, guides, photographers and beach operators and national parks/reserves, conservancies management.
Interior CS Fred Matiang'i who was also present at the event affirmed that the protocols were essential and urged all stakeholders to adopt them and take responsibility for ensuring that destination Kenya is safe for the tourism business.
