Nakuru County is set to commemorate World Tourism Day in Gilgil Sub-County at Lake Elementaita Wildlife Sanctuary. The chosen theme for this year’s event is ‘Tourism and Green Investment’.
Chief Officer for Tourism and Culture, Rosemary Kimani, explained that out of the six lakes in Nakuru County, they have selected Lake Elementaita to emphasize the connection between tourism and green investment which also reflects the commitment to join the global effort in promoting environmentally friendly practices due to the impact of climate change.
The Chair of World Tourism Day, Nakuru edition, Mr David Mwangi, highlighted the significance of this occasion in positioning Nakuru as a prime tourism destination by attracting visitors and marketing the county effectively. He was speaking today at Lake Elementaita.
The Chairman highlighted the importance of African countries positioning themselves well, through well-thought-out advertisements, billboards, and trailers taken using precision cameras and trained photographers’, in order to entice and induce tourists.
He bemoaned the poorly taken pictures that sometimes don’t lure, seduce, cajole, and attract tourists to Kenya and other African countries, and yet they have much more to offer than many Western countries, which receive millions of tourists.
Also, he urged locals to always have a welcoming spirit, and show appreciation of tourists’ presence by not appearing aggressive or threatening in any way, because every tourist’ values security more than anything.
Additionally, he said the location of Nakuru was more than ideal for tourists than other counties since a number prefer touring semi-rural areas, which fits the county well, and the many lakes in the county, plus the parks, make it more advantageous.
Governor Susan Kihika, representatives from the National government, and various stakeholders within the tourism industry are expected to grace the event, which is scheduled to take place on September 27 with activities such as hiking, bird watching, a fun run, horse races, camel rides, biking, cultural dances, and exhibitions lined up.
By Veronica Bosibori
