The 8th KAHC Symposium has been officially opened today, 20th May, 2010 by the Minister of Tourism Hon. Najib Balala at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa. The Minister has challenged the industry players to play a more active role in terms of leading the industry going forward while working in close collaboration with various government ministries such as the Ministry of Tourism.

In a broad speech delivered to receptive investors and players in the Kenyan tourism and hospitality industry, the Minister took note of the gains the induystry had managed to recoup after the post poll chaos that dented tourism arrivals and revenues in the country. Balala was however full of praise, especially for the industry players who have worked tirelessly towards restoring Kenya as a favourable tourism destination in Africa. The Minister applauded the aggressive maketing campaigns that have been undertaken in the past 12 months as having played a pivotal role in turning around the Kenyan tourism industry.

And as the budget speech is around the corner, Balala informed the gathered delegates that he had asked for about Kenya Shillings (Kes.) 2 billion for the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to help market the country in the traditional European markets as well as emerging markets such as India, the Middle East, China, Russia and Eastern Europe where impressive growth patterns have been recorded over the past 12 months.

Said Balala: "Tourism is the cow that produces the milk. We need to feed it well."