Zebra migration (Insert Picture) Beatrice aspirant for Embu Senate.

“Kenya tourism well developed has so much potential that even if we were to find oil in Kenya, tourism income would still be many times bigger than any oil income,” says Beatrice Mangure, Embu senate hopeful, who is working hard not only toward the developed of Embu County but to also expand the tourism industry through the economic platform for 2012 – 2017 advanced by Kenyans abroad. “Working on the economic platform advanced by Kenyans abroad in the sector of tourism I will target to lead, in the senate, to 5 million annual international tourists by 2017.”

Beatrice knows that for one to reap they have to plant. “As Senator I know my duty. I know Kenyans abroad given the incentive would be able to bring the 5 million tourists every year. I know they cannot do this on an empty gas tank. If $5 billion is earned then at the least 5% would be going to marketing.” With a $250 million budget that can be tapped by Kenyans abroad, Beatrice maybe on the right track to expanding the Kenya tourism industry by $5 billion.  

Florida receives 60 million Visitors! When you read this article what captures your thoughts?  

If any one State in the U.S. could be the guiding light of Kenya development, Florida would be that State. Florida like Kenya has warm weather and miles of beaches. Florida tourism is a 60 million tourists business every year. Kenya tourism is barely 1 million visitors. Florida receives $57 billion just from tourism sector. Kenya Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from all sectors is about $58 billion. Kenya top revenue earner today is remittances from Diaspora. Tourism is the largest sector of the Florida economy. These statements and comparisons capture my mind. They further inspire me to target to increase of tourism by a million visitors every year and be part of those developing the great plans and policies to enable this.  

Can Kenya get to these numbers?

Every recorded number is achievable if we are advancing forward. Working on the Economic platform advanced by Kenyans abroad in the sector of tourism I will target to lead to 5 million annual international tourists by 2017. This based on Florida numbers would mean about $5 billion new income to Kenya every year and tourism would surpass Diaspora remittances. 

How do you get to 5 million? What would attract tourists to Kenya?  

Using words of Magical Kenya, No other country on earth can offer the visitors a good weather and as much to see and do like Kenya. Within the borders of Kenya, you will find savannahs rich with wildlife, timeless cultures unchanged by the modern world, pristine beaches and coral reef, equatorial forests and mighty snow-capped mountains, searing deserts and cool highland retreats and endless opportunities for adventure, discovery and relaxation. There are more than 47 tourism sites in Kenya, one in every county. Kenya tourism well developed has so much potential that even if we were to find oil in Kenya, tourism income would still be many times bigger than any oil income. 

What are some of the areas that will need to be improved in realization of this? 

For tourism to be realized several sectors have to work out. We do not expect tourists to visit a country that has its headlines begging for food and people dying of hunger. We should get the food production right. You do not invite a visitor to your home if there is no food. Healthcare is something else that we should work on especially emergency response. I would say 3 of the 5 key platforms advanced through the Kenyans abroad initiative namely: food, infrastructure & houses and security capture some of the areas that will need to be improved. Good hospitals that meet international standards especially in emergency system are a must.   

Name four tourism sectors you would work on that are not currently developed with a goal of more tourism in Kenya?  

One would be tourism generated from filming in Kenya. Kenya has a relationship with Hollywood that dates back to the 1930’s. Many classic adventure films were shot on location in Kenya. Out of Africa based on Karen Blixen story won seven awards including best picture in 1985. I would target at least 4 films every year filmed in Kenya. 

Second would be Marathon runners and fans. Kenyans have dominated this race in the world and the country is long overdue for at least 4 major marathons like: Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Rift Valley and Coast marathon. 

Third would be water sporting events in counties with oceans and lakes as advanced by my colleague, Awour, for the Siaya Senate. 

Forth would be Mountain and hills climbing sports: There are more than 20 mountains & hills from Mountains Elgon, Kenya, Longonot, Menengai and others 

Which four tourism sites do you think if well marketed and all conditions a tourist looks for are met are capable of receiving 1 million visitors an year? 

Maasai Mara in Narok County would top my list. The animal migration is a thrill to watch. No wonder it is referred as the 8th wonder of the world.   

Tsavo East and Tsavo West in Taita Taveta County with millions of acres of land home to millions of different wildlife animals.  

Diani Beach or South Coast made of more than 20 miles of well formed beach if well established could achieve 1 million visitors every year.  

Mount Kenya sloping to five counties Kirinyaga County, Embu County, Meru County, Laikipia County and Nyeri County could have a tourism industry of 1 million.    

The biggest percentage of people who tour the world are those who are retired and are 60 years and above. What one thing would convince these retirees Kenya is a good place to visit?  

In order to market Kenya to this group, one most important requirement is in their healthcare needs. When someone goes past 60 years the body immunity decreases. Thus a good health system for these tourists while on safari would be part of what they would consider. We need to get good hospitals established.     

Marketing. How would you approach this?  

Marketing is one of the key factors in promoting our tourism industry. Kenya has beautiful sceneries to use in a good marketing strategy. I have lived in Atlanta for some time and other than hearing there are organizations called Brand Kenya or even Kenya Tourism Board, I have never seen any effort to advertise Kenya. How does one expect to tap to the U.S market if they don’t market? Once elected we will tap and see more than 30 million Americans visit Kenya in the next 10 years. We will invite Europeans to the land where Prince William engaged Kate. As Senator I know my duty. I know Kenyans abroad given the incentive would be able to bring the 5 million tourists every year. I know they cannot do this on an empty gas tank. If $5 billion is earned then at the least 5% would be going to marketing.       

Kenya beaches in Lakes and the Ocean. How can this become a great tourism destination? 

Poor planning has made these areas lack appeal. Many beaches have in their front unplanned settlements gradually growing to slums. The first effort is to come with a good plan and strategy and then adopt it. There will need to be strong partnerships between great ideas, county governments and national assembly. My goal will be one to see the vast ocean and lake areas unlocked to realize its potential all year round.  

If you were looking to get 1 million visitors from U.S annually how would you go about this?

Kenya can look to tap into the American industry through the fast growing market of Kenyan-Americans. When celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt visit Kenya these stories should be advanced by the Kenya media abroad through strong partnership with the tourism sector. There are so many different ways to achieve this given the right leadership.  

Which are the big five wild animals? 

Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. All these animals can be found in the Kenya national reserves. 

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