March 24, 2003
Dear IPI Delegate,
I am writing to you once again on the arrangements in place to give you a warm welcome to this years World Congress and 52nd General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya.
However, I am sure you have noted several travel advisories and alerts in respect to Kenya. Kenya is part of the free world and these travel advisories and alerts have been issued in respect of very many other countries including South Africa and Tanzania in Africa, as well as other countries in Europe including Britain where recently there was an alert resulting in tanks being stationed at the London airports. Similar travel advisories have also been issued with respect to Australia, where potential threat from international terrorists is considered quite high.
All the main tourism destinations in the world have experienced a downturn in tourism arrivals as travellers shy away from visiting their regular holiday destinations for fear of terrorist attacks. While the outbreak of the Gulf war has not helped matters, Kenya has in fact probably seen less of a decline since September 11 than most countries. While most airlines worldwide are reporting decreased load factors Kenya Airways has done remarkably well and Kenya has in fact, had 1,000 more visitors in January this year than last year.
The recent peaceful elections and the great optimism inside Kenya about the future is one of the most important things that could ever have happened to Eastern Africa. The new government enjoys the confidence of the people and of the tourism sector. The government has already taken significant action in this regard, with the Minister concerned issuing a firm statement in recent weeks making it clear that the safety and security of everyone in Kenya is a priority. His confirmation that everything is being done to ensure the security of our borders, ports and airports only asserts once again, the new governments commitment to work with other nations in the international community to ensure that your security is given maximum attention. In this regard, Id like to assure you that my committee is working very closely with all the security agencies to ensure your security.
I am looking forward to welcoming each of you to an unequalled taste of vintage Kenyan hospitality in June. I am reliably informed by the tourism fraternity with whom my host committee is working very closely, that the tourists currently in the country are very positive about the peaceful situation in the country and the friendliness of Kenyans. Sincerely,
W D KIBORO
CHAIRMAN, IPI KENYA HOST COMMITTEE
