The county government of Nakuru has appealed against a decision by the Ministry of Tourism to downgrade the status of Naivasha as a tourism hub.
Tourism, Trade and Cooperatives CECM Dr Peter Ketyenya said his office has written to the Ministry of Tourism and is waiting for a response on the matter.
“The directive has greatly affected conference businesses in Naivasha. We are asking the ministry to reinstate the status of Naivasha as it was,” Ketyenya said.
While attending a meeting with Nakuru Tourism Association members in Nakuru town, Ketyenya said the county is planning to hold the World Tourism Day celebration on September 27 at Lake Nakuru National Park.
The event will include exhibitions from various hotels and other tourism stakeholders, as the county prepares to acquire a city status.
“We are happy to partner with the private sector as well because we understand the role each one of them plays,” the minister added.
According to the chairperson of Nakuru Tourism Association David Mwangi, the event will include 50 exhibitors and hopes to attract up to 5,000 people.
“We are targeting investors, home owners and tourists who will come and witness what the hotels in Nakuru have to offer,” said Mr Mwangi.
He added that the hotels in the region are working as a single marketing unit to boost tourism within the County.