The Kenyan travel industry has something to smile about after the sector was allocated Sh4.5 billion plus incentives by the National Treasury in the 2016/2017 National Budget.
Joseph Ngumbi, the director at the Hotsun Safaris says they are happy that the government had put their consideration before drafting the budget but their concern is levelled on the proposal to increase the airport tax.
Sentiments echoed by Elton Shashira of the African Safaris who said they are pleased with the proposals aimed at improving the sector but warned that the airport tax fee would only cause jitters in the tourism industry.
He called on stakeholders to reconsider reversing the directive saying tourists opt for cheaper destinations and the move would only seek to drive the visitors to other favourable destinations hence hurting the already ailing sector.
Tourism CS, Najib Balala on his part said all proposals the Treasury CS presented on Wednesday would improve the sector significantly putting into consideration the removal of VAT in park entry fees.