By Betty Luke
County governments have been asked to partner with tour operators in marketing and revival of tourism industry for increased revenue and promotion of local destination sites.
Benita Travels Executive Director Judy Wachira lamented over hundreds of underutilized tourist attraction sites across the country that she said could go a long way in enhancing the country’s revenue.
She singled out Mt Kenya East that she said had tens of unique waterfalls, caves and forests that need to be developed to attract more local, national and global tourists.
“There are several unexploited sites that can greatly impact the lives of our people if fully exploited,” said Ms Wachira.
She spoke during the company’s third anniversary celebrations at World Harvest Centre church in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County.
Ms Wachira said the county governments were reluctant in developing the unexploited sites, including those yet to be mapped, terming it a major impediment to development of tourism industry.
The company, that opened its doors in 2018, provides customized travel packages across the country and outside and envisions to be the leading tour company in East Africa in near future.
Benita Travels, with offices in Chuka town, also undertakes awareness programs on enviromental conservation and communities need to embrace local tourism.
It also supports orphans and vulnerable groups in the society under the Corporate Social Responsibility and provides attachment and internship opportunities for colleges and University students.
Ms Wachira said they take pride in supporting young people to realize and grow their talents through sporting activities and offering learning platforms.
The company is currently offering subsidized packages to differently destinations including a three days tour package to Maasai Mara game reserve from July 20, 2021 at Sh20, 000, two days tour to Samburu National Park from July 14 and Ol Pejeta’s game drive on July 10, 2021 at Sh7, 000 and Sh4, 500 respectively.
“We are committed to offering quality services at friendly costs as we start off our fourth year. Our packages are friendly and we allow bit payment through ‘Lipa Mdogo Mdogo’,” she assured.
The young entrepreneur intends to open branches in Mombasa and Nairobi counties to improve service delivery across the regions.
