The Italian Ambassador to Kenya, Roberto Natali, met with the Kenyan Minister of Tourism, Ms. Peninah Malonza, in recent days to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in one of the strategic sectors for Kenya which, by the Minister's own admission, before the pandemic contributed 10% of the national Gross Domestic Product and the resumption of international travel is also expected to benefit the serious economic situation, in terms of foreign currency inflows in cash, useful to cope with rising inflation.
From Italy's side, Natali particularly focused on certain aspects that could increase the number of compatriots visiting Kenya. From the issue of the online visa, a useful, modern and necessary service for the security of the African country, but 'still to be perfected and which is sometimes difficult for people less accustomed to technology who travel for holidays,' in the words of our diplomat
to the re-establishment of the Kenya Airways direct flight between Rome and Nairobi, a process that is already under consideration by the airline, which, with the decisive push of our institutions, could try for the third time.
There was also talk of the 'open sky' policy that the government should implement to incentivise other airlines to fly to Kenya and that for now does not allow alternative solutions to companies already established and with consolidated relations in the territory. This 'blockade', by not fuelling competition, is partly responsible for the high prices of flights and does not allow for different solutions of short trips or smart connections.
These are legitimate demands and, in our opinion, would benefit Kenya itself in general and not only the tourism sector, and in particular our own.
Natali, for his part, reiterated the importance of Italian hospitality businesses and 'the contribution that the tourism sector run by Italians makes to the country, particularly in the coastal area of Malindi, Watamu and Diani and also with reference to safari facilities,' with dozens and dozens of accommodation facilities and restaurants throughout the country and an induced movement that generates earnings essential to the survival of thousands of families.
'The Minister confirmed that he knows the importance of Italian tourism,' Natali told Ansa. 'On this occasion I asked for more attention from the government to facilitate the work of our tour operators and access to Kenya from Italy.
Finally, the Italian Ambassador also told the Kenyan Minister of Tourism that Italian language courses are being organised through the Italian Cultural Institute in Nairobi, aimed particularly at hotel employees and tourism operators.