Kenya to promote northern tourism circuit to diversify sector revenues

Kenya plans to promote the northern tourism circuit through appropriate packaging in order to diversify sector revenues, a senior government official said on Monday.

Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Tourism, said that the "Origin of Mankind", adventures, cultures and the entire heritage gem in the region are key attractions, which need to be harnessed and showcased.

"Turkana County and the entire northern tourism circuit has added to the diversityof tourism products and experiences which are key unique selling proportions for the destination," Balala said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

The government official added that the current traveler needs to explore nature and preserved cultures, noting that the northern part of the country had unexplored attractions.

According to the ministry of tourism, the northern part of Kenya, has provided a fertile ground for archaeological research and filming sites that have attracted international filmmakers besides researchers.

"The discovery and extraction of oil in Turkana County, the proposed tourist resort city in Isiolo County has been touted as some of the key indicators that the region is yet to tap into their rich potential in tourism activities," Balala said.

He added that Turkana County will be hosting national celebrations for this year's World Tourism Day as the region banks on improved security and infrastructure to spur tourism and investment opportunities.