Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has urged for more investment in culture and creativity as Kenya is looking to expand its tourism products and at the same time create new economic opportunities for young people and women.
Speaking during the 7th Nyeri County Annual Tourism and Cultural Festival, Miano said cultural tourism has contributed in the transformation of the country’s tourism sector as visitors are now looking for wildlife tourism and beyond to have deep and immersive experiences.
“This year’s theme, ‘Sustainable Tourism through Culture and Creativity, ‘ is Actually a very good one as it reflects the main pulse of the future of tourism, ” Miano said.
“Even though a tourist shall be keen to see our wildlife, most adventure, seeking tourists will definitely desire cultural forms of expressions that will enable them to have immersive experiences. “
Miano appreciated Nyeri County for changing the annual festival occasion to what she considered a top tourism and cultural show, case of heritage and creativity.
She added that such a gathering had become a vital mechanism for presenting local culture and concurrently solidifying the county’s standing as a tourism destination.
“It’s a motor that will continue to position Nyeri as a place where heritage and innovation go hand in hand, ” she noted.
The CS also noted that the increased involvement of the creative economy is not only creating jobs but also in igniting entrepreneurship In particular amongst the youth.
“The creative economy is Actually a new land of innovation and employment for our youth and women, ” she noted. “What I see in the young men and women competing this evening, the performers, and those exhibiting is a fine blend of heritage and enterprise. “
She encouraged artists, cultural practitioners, and entrepreneurs to take advantage of authentic storytelling as a means of gaining economic empowerment and promised them the wholehearted support of the ministry.
“Tourism and Wildlife Ministry stands as your dedicated partner and readily supports the connecting of cultural expression and economic dignity, ” she said.
The Cabinet Secretary also emphasized the need for a closer partnership between the national and county governments so that cultural tourism value chains may be developed and also preserve the diverse heritage of Kenya.
Besides that, Miano linked the development of tourism to the preservation of the environment. She observed that the decent continuation of tourism will take place only where natural environments are protected.
“Sustainable tourism must be accompanied by environmental stewardship, ” she said while pointing out that forests, rivers, and farms of Nyeri are some of the key assets which support the tourism industry in the county.
Additionally, she noted that the Aberdare ecosystem and Chania waterfalls are the major symbols and sources of good life in the area. The CS urged everyone to ensure that their preservation is prioritized.
“We need to protect them with as much strength as we protect our intangible heritage, ” she added.
Miano finally put forward a challenge for county governments to keep on funding cultural festivals and at the same time appealed for the private sector