Lakeside region local investors have been challenged to invest in the hospitality industry to benefit from a projected high influx of tourists
Building of more hotels and conference rooms has been identified as a viable venture that would help accommodate tourists coming to archeological sites like kit mikayi in seme and lake simbi in Rachuonyo amongst other tourist attractions.
Kisumu county investor regional analyst Tom Ogweno speaking on Monday on phone to Hivisasa said that there was urgent need for more hotels offering a diverse range of services.
Ogweno says that much more invested is needed in hospitality to increase the attractiveness of the region to tourists saying that there was much potential for growth. He added that increase in marketing of tourist sites both locally and internationally would go a long way in promoting the industry and increasing incomes.
“The local investors should see the need of more hotel expansion in the region offering conference facilities and accommodation to both regional and international tourists,” he said.
He also encouraged the county government to advise local investors on architectural designs and landscaping to increase attractiveness and comfort. The analyst says that a successful tourism industry in the region would boost job creation and provide revenue to fund projects within the county.
“We want to create a sense of development spirit to our local investors by educating them on good grounds of investment. Many jobs can be created with the growth of tourism,” he said
Lila hotel manager Dennis Wanjala says that there is room for growth in the hotel business citing congestion during peak seasons.
Wanjala added that even as more investors ventured into the industry there is potential of making profits saying that local tourism promotion needed to be increased to ensure all year-round visits.