by CHETI PRAXIDES
Correspondent,Coast Region.
Wednesday July 27, 2022
Lamu county executive for Tourism Dismas Mwasambu Image: CHETI PRAXIDES
The tourism sector in Lamu county has grown from 50 per cent
to 85 per cent in the last two years despite issues of insecurity and Covid-19
challenges.
The region has seen an increased number of tourists, both
local and international flocking the island.
County executive for Tourism Dismas Mwasambu said the region
is looking forward to harnessing the forthcoming high season which starts from
August to December.
“High season means
it’s the time we get more visitors and tourists coming into Kenya and we are
super excited about it,” Mwasambu said.
He said the tourism docket is working closely with
organisations like Magical Kenya to promote Lamu as the perfect tourist
destination.
The official noted that the presence of mega projects at
Lamu Port has also played a part in marketing Lamu globally.
“When they see LAPSSET, they get to know that it’s actually
hosted within a county called Lamu which has other interesting features the
investors would like. We have had people who come in because of the port and
ended up as tourists,” he said.
The CEC said plans are in high gear to cushion the sector
from any challenges resulting from the electioneering period.
He said plans are on to ramp up the digital marketing of
Lamu as a tourist destination to ensure its least affected no matter the
outcome of the election.
“After the elections, things are normally different and
people are normally not at ease. It takes time for things to get back to normal
and that’s why we have instituted measures which will cushion the sector here
from any effects," Mwasambu said.
He said the region received bad publicity from the media
coverage that depicted Lamu as insecure.
"Lamu was given bad publicity because of the insecurity
issues but we all know that the attacks were happening on the border of Lamu
and Somalia. This pulled down the tourism sector but at the moment, we are at a
steady 85 per cent growth from 50 per cent in 2018,” he said.
Last week, Lamu Island become the latest film destination
with the launch of a new TV drama series Sanura.
The entire series was shot in the region with the set
happening on the picturesque Lamu Island together with its sister islands-Pate
and Shela.
The show premiered on Maisha Magic Plus on July 19 at 7.30
pm East African Time.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)