Kenya Government to Formulate Strategies to Stop Harassment of Foreigners at Airports

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa has announced new measures to encourage more foreign weddings in Kenya, especially during the festive season in December

Stakeholders in the tourism industry have voiced their reservations to the ministry regarding the government's recent focus on acquiring customs taxes at airports. In response, the PS underscores the ministry's dedication to delivering a hassle-free experience for tourists at airports while still recognizing customs duty regulations. With the influx of visitors expected in December, including 200 Indians coming for weddings, stakeholders hope for a smooth entry process at the airports.

During a rebranding ceremony for PrideInn Hotels, Resorts, and Camps in Mombasa earlier this week, Ololtuaa revealed that the ministry is working together with the Attorney General, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Department of Immigration to formulate plans for enhancing wedding tourism in Kenya. This initiative comes in response to the recent debate surrounding the seizure of a Ksh300,000 wedding gown by KRA at JKIA in the past few weeks. The incident involved an American man who possessed a dress that surpassed the Ksh75,425 (USD 500) limit for duty-free items.

The PS also touched upon the topic of boosting the tourism sector through the introduction of additional initiatives like eVisa applications. The goal, according to the PS, is to attract approximately 5.5 million tourists to Kenya by 2027. He clarifies that once these areas are identified, they will be developed and refurbished to attract tourists.

Hasnain Noorani, Managing Director of PrideInn, has announced the hotel's plan to expand into new markets and capitalize on untapped business opportunities. The rebranding will include customization of areas with growth potential in order to maximize its potential revenue.