W@ssup

After two years of dimmed fortunes due to the pandemic, the tourism industry is expected to record a rebound in the next two months as major hotels in the country reopen. Some of the major hotels expected to reopen between the month of April and May include Fairmont the Norfolk, Radisson Blue located at Upper Hill and the Mount Kenya Safari Club.

The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife welcomed this development and said that the industry was looking forward to improved numbers within the period. Speaking during the launch of a gastronomy tourism video experience on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, which highlights and promotes Nairobi as a prime gastronomy destination, he also noted that the re-opening of the facilities brings a fresh breath into the sector that has been dealt a blow as a result of the Corona pandemic.

“This launch of gastronomy promotional video is part of a pilot project to promote the culinary experiences in Nairobi and other restaurants within the country. We want to do more and bring in more players in the sector,” Balala pointed out, even as he called on the industry to craft innovative ways to improve their businesses and cater for the needs and preferences of the traveller.

The gastronomy experience video is a pilot project commenced by six restaurants; Boho Eatery, the View, Gaze, Chopo House, Inti and Nyama Mama, with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. It highlights the growth of local and international cuisine restaurants in Nairobi, which adds value to the Kenyan experience for travellers. According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the global gastronomy industry is a multi-billion-dollar economy, with the CS pointing it out as a key opportunity for the players in the sector to tap into.

While acknowledging this new facet in the industry, the Kenya Tourism Board CEO Dr Betty Radier, highlighted the massive potential it opens up alongside hospitality and tourism. This is because it presents interesting opportunities that combine culture and food. Globally, gastronomy has a market value of about 1.116 billion dollars (Sh127.84billion) and it is expected to rise to about 1.7965 billion dollars (Sh205.79billion) by 2027.

“We shall continue to work together with stakeholders from the sector to ensure that we market and get maximum value from this sub-sector. Tourism is a value chain enabler that supports sectors like agriculture, infrastructure and transport. The transformation of Nairobi due to the infrastructural developments on roads, hotels and tourist attractions will have a positive effect on tourism in the city. Visitors who want to enjoy food, business, safari or nature will have easy access, making it an attractive destination,” Radier said.