Daniel Nyassy
12 August 2008
Nairobi — Italian investors have pledged to market Kenya abroad as they feel that the country is a safe tourist destination despite reports that terrorism suspect Fazul Abdallah was hiding in Malindi.
In a meeting, major investors from Italy and Malindi played down the terrorism threats and promised to back the Government in marketing Kenya in Europe.
Internationally renowned tour operator Franco Rosso, who owns a chain of hotels in the North Coast, said marketing the country in Europe was their priority.
He said this was important during this time of low bookings following the post-election violence that rocked the country in January and February.
Tourist hotel
Another investor, Mr Renzo Quaciari, who owns Mwembe Resort, Rosada Beach Resort and is currently putting up a Sh500 million tourist hotel in Watamu, said the investors had confidence in the country and looked forward to an expanded tourism sector.
"We support the Government's efforts to market Kenya and Malindi in particular. The recent visit by the minister for Tourism Mr Najib Balala to Italy created awareness to Italian visitors. We will put all our power to market Malindi," he said.
The investors were addressing the press at Rosada Beach Resort, where Italian singer Matteo Borghi performed some of his best hits.
However, Mr Rosso, who was the first European to bring a charter flight to Mombasa in 1972, urged the Government to put up infrastructure to boost the sector in the North coast.
"The Government of Kenya must give attention to the development agenda and build an international airport in Malindi. The road between Mombasa and Malindi must also be transformed and maintained because it is a basic component of development," said Mr Rosso.
He said issues of security must be given priority and guests assured that they are safe when they visit.
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