Ecotourism Kenya News – 2/9/2020
How to ensure that your travel is sustainable
What is sustainable travel? This is an important question that perhaps could be in most travelers’ minds. Sustainable travel does not mean scaling back on comfort or enjoyment, but rather travelling in a manner that protects wildlife and its habitat, supports community livelihoods and preserves the local cultures.
Tourists on a game drive – courtesy of Gamewatchers safaris
In the last few months we’ve seen the world shut indoors by the spread of COVID 19. Now, we start to see lockdown measures eased and there’s hope for tourism. Most countries are slowly beginning to reopen with health and hygiene protocols in place – domestic tourism is thriving.
Kenyans have flocked the Mara for the wildebeest migration spectacle but do we know the safari rules? How sustainable have we prepared for our local travels? Here are some insights:
- Minimize disturbance to animals
- Stay inside your vehicle at all times
- Never feed animals
- Keep to designated roads or tracks
Kenya’s twin migration in August
A humpback whale spotted during the exhibition in Watamu, Kilifi county
Kenya is positioning both the annual Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara and the Whale Migration in the coastal region as unique natural tourism experience in the destination. Speaking during a Humpback Whale migration watching expedition in Watamu, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Najib Balala said both migrations position Kenya as the go-to destination for both safari and beach.
“Both migrations peak between July and September, which means that Kenya can host a twin migration experience, a unique wildlife phenomenon, incorporating both the bush and the beach product,” Balala said.
Every year, Humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to warmer climates, congregating in Kenyan waters between July and August to calve and mate. After spending two months breeding and nursing their calves, the whales then make their journey back to Antarctica around September. In East Africa, the whales travel up to 4,000 kilometers to reach their chosen area to take care of their newborns.
“I urge all visitors both domestic and international, that next time you seek to have an exciting experience during this period, make a point to witness these two great spectacles,”Balala said.
We urge our members; tour operators and accommodation facilities to take this opportunity in the future and use it as a marketing tool for your businesses and Kenya as a destination.
Kenya becomes first country to be awarded “Safer Tourism Seal’’
#SaferTourismSeal
Kenya has become the first country to be awarded the recommended status of the “Safer Tourism Seal” by the Rebuilding Travel group. Rebuilding Travel is a non-political, pro-tourism organization made up of tourism boards, ministers, travelers and other travel-related parties from around the world.
The Safer Travel Seal will be crucial in building traveler confidence in Kenya as international travel resumes and hospitality outlets re-open. The seal, which is a recognizable symbol throughout the world, will be key to positioning Kenya as a safe and preferred destination.
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Najib Balala, was presented with the award in a virtual event. Speaking after receiving the recognition, CS Balala said that the award is testimony to Kenya’s continued efforts to ensure travelers’ safety following the global COVID-19 Pandemic.
“As a destination, we have put together health and safety measures that are aimed at ensuring the safe reopening of the tourism sector. This is to ensure that our citizens, travelers, and workers are well protected. On behalf of my country I am happy to receive this recognition that shows we are headed in the right direction in regard to the Covid-19 safety protocols, “said Balala.
This recognition follows the Safe Travel Stamp award to Kenya by the World Travel and Tourism Council earlier in June this year.
When it’s September, you know it is…
WORLD TOURISM DAY! Celebrated each year on the 27th of September, Its purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The day seeks to address global challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to highlight the contribution the tourism industry can make in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals.
This year’s theme is Tourism: Building Peace! Fostering Knowledge! And the host cities and nations selected for the celebrations are Djibouti and Addis Ababa.
We will update you on any major event planned under the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
*Ecotourism Kenya resuming office operations
We would like to inform you that we have fully resumed office operations beginning 1st September 2020. For any required service feel free to pay us a visit or call 0726366080.
pr@ecotourismkenya.org
Ecotourism Kenya
Telephone: +254 020 529 2078 Office Cell: +254 726 366080.
Website www.ecotourismkenya.org
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