Kenya Tourism – Best Places To Visit In Kenya

The tourism industry is the largest source of income to Kenya after agriculture. Hon. Najib Balala is the current Minister for tourism. Wildlife and the Kenyan beaches are the main highlights of tourist attraction. The Kenya National Parks are protected by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the money charged from the entrance fee is used to cater for wages, park development and maintenance. The various staff in all the fields of tourism are trained at Utalii College which is a recognized center of excellence. The courses offered include; catering, hotel management, guiding and hospitality.

There are various tourism government-owned bodies which have played a vital role in the rapid growth of tourism in Kenya. For instance, the tourism businesses in Kenya pay a Catering Tourism and Development Levy(CTDL). The funds corrected are used to develop Kenya tourism industry through sponsorship and marketing. The Kenya Tourist Board which was formed in 1997. This board markets tourist destinations locally and internationally has played a great role in improving this sector. The Kenya Tourism Development Corporation is responsible for tourism facilities development in various fields such as; direct investment, expansion of existing facilities, improvement of facilities in the industry.

The Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi is a tourist village and a conference center which displays the traditional villages belonging to all Kenyan tribes. It was established by the government in 1971 mainly to preserve, promote and maintain the rich cultural values of the 42 tribes of Kenya. With a capacity of 3,500 seats, this is the largest theatre in the whole of Africa. You will have a chance to watch the local people perform traditional dances each day. The Kenya International Conference Center which is situated in the heart of Nairobi city is a perfect place for meetings, conferences, cultural exhibitions and special events.

The conservation of natural resources has continued to improve with the Green Belt Nobel Price, Professor Wangari Mathai leading in many forest conservation campaigns. Tourism has faced some challenges over the past few years. For example, in 1990, several tourists were found murdered in different parts of the country resulting in a dramatic decline in revenues. The 2007 Kenya Presidential and Parliamentary Election crises left many innocent Kenyans dead. This situation was hardly safe for visitors coming to Kenya.

Kenya National Parks include; Amboseli, Kora, Lake Nakuru, Mount Kenya, Tsavo and Nairobi. Masai Mara National Reserve is the most popular for game viewing. While travelling to Kenya, tourists are advised to have visa and passport. Vaccination against malaria and Yellow fever is also recommended.