The government is encouraging local investors in the tourism sector to set up facilities in the counties with tourism potential.
Tourism Secretary Najib Balala says devolved government structure has provided a lot of opportunities for the tourism sector to thrive.
"Counties are identifying new and unique products to showcase and this will increase visitations to these areas. We therefore need accommodation and catering facilities," said Balala.
Balala made the remarks after officiating the opening of Giraffe Ark Game Lodge in Nyeri County. The facility accommodates a maximum of 120 clients besides conferencing facilities.
He said the government will enhance its incentive programs such as tax exemptions to encourage investors come up with new products in the tourism sector.
The government will offer necessary expertise on tourism product development in line with tourism diversification strategy.
"Identifying and promotion of unique tourism products in the counties is within our strategy of diversification and we are keen on opening up other areas that are unknown,” he said.
He said his ministry through Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) will concentrate on opening up new tourism circuits across the country in close collaborations with the county governments.
"We have consulted extensively with chairman to the council of governors in charge of tourism Samuel Tunai on our strategic collaboration on tourism product development in the counties a and are soon finalize on finer details on this exercise," said Balala .
Balala told the tourism stakeholders in the Nyeri County that his Ministry will in the next three months launch refresher courses to equip hoteliers with relevant expertise so as to improve on the standard of service
He said the reception of Kenya internationally is positive and predicted a positive tourism performance outlook in the coming season.
Balala noted that local travels have also recorded an upward trend and has proved a reliable cushion to the sector during low seasons.
He challenged hoteliers to offer affordable packages to sustain the upward trajectory growth.