Lifting of travel advisories boosts tourism in Lamu

Tourism and investment is booming in Lamu following a move by foreign countries to lift advisories against travel to the county.

For the past five years, Lamu’s tourism sector has suffered adversely caused by insecurity, following attacks by Al-Shabaab that have resulted in the deaths of security personnel and civilians.

In September 2011, a British tourist couple -- David Tebbutt, 58, and his wife Judith -- were kidnapped while on holiday at Kiwayu Safari Village Resort in Lamu East, in what is believed to be the first ever Al-Shabaab invasion in the region.

In June, 2014, Al-Shabaab militants attacked Mpeketoni Town and its environs, including Kibaoni and Witu, and killed more than 100 residents and destroyed property worth millions.

This prompted some countries, including France and UK, to advise their citizens against visiting Lamu.

Since then, tourism in the county has continued to suffer.

However, Lamu Governor Fahim Twaha says the lift of the travel advisories by most countries, particularly by the UK in March last year, has greatly improved the sector.

He spoke shortly after hosting British High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey at the Shella Peponi Hotel at the weekend.

Mr Twaha said the lift of the travel restrictions by the UK has seen an increase in the number of international tourists coming to the region.

He also said the number of investors coming to Lamu has risen and said he was looking forward for more goodies.

“I thank the British High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey for visiting us here in Lamu. We have had fruitful discussion on how the already existing good working relationship between Kenya, particularly Lamu and the UK will be strengthened,” said Mr Twaha.

Active advisories

Mr Twaha, however, urged countries that have active travel advisories to have them lifted since the existence of such hinder the growth of tourism sector and other investments in the county.

Mr Hailey said he had experienced utmost calm and peace during his tour of the county. He said he was looking forward for more international tourists to come to Lamu for holidays.

“I am humbled to be in Lamu. It’s a wonderful place to be. I have toured the Lamu Port (Lapsset) project site as well as meeting the Governor Fahim Twaha. Lamu and the UK have a long history which we don’t want to lose it. UK being the biggest investor in this country, we shall continue partnering with the Kenyan government in ensuring Lamu and the whole nation achieves development,” said Mr Hailey.

He added: “UK is the biggest source of international tourists to Kenya and Lamu is very much on the map. Hotels here should brace up to receive more international visitors which will in turn improve the economy of Lamu and Kenya as a whole.”

Tourism players in Lamu Old Town, Shella and Ras Kitau in Manda Island also welcomed the lift of the ban by the UK and France.

Speaking to the Business Daily, they said the move has seen a notable increase in hotel bookings from international tourists in recent times.

“We are at least receiving international tourist bookings compared to the earlier years when the travel advisories were intact. We hope those foreign countries still having active travel advisories in Lamu will lift them,” said Mr Ghalib Alwy who is the proprietor of the Bush Gardens Seafront Restaurant in Lamu Old Town.