After the declaration of intent of the Italian government, which last week raised the prospect of reopening "covid free" tourist corridors for compatriots who this winter will want to travel or return to distant exotic destinations to enjoy the heat and fabulous beaches, some entrepreneurs in the tourism sector of Watamu have set to work to convince the authorities of Kilifi County to do their part, because from their good will and the reinforcement of the operations of vaccination of the tourist sector, particularly in what is currently the most popular destination for Italians and with more accommodation facilities available, may depend on the inclusion of the Kenyan coast in the list of destinations to be unlocked.
Destinations, such as the aforementioned Red Sea, Zanzibar and Seychelles, to talk about Africa, have already been put to work.
Therefore, in particular, our own Pasquale Tiritò (Jacaranda, Eden and Jumbo) and Roberto Lenzi (7 Islands and Crystal Bay) have, on the one hand, already begun talks with the leaders of Kilifi County and the relevant parliamentarians and, on the other, have asked for further talks with the national associations of tour operators and travel agencies in order to send the government in Rome a request highlighting Kenya's openness to health security.
A result has already been achieved: from this week other doses are arriving (also AstraZeneca for the second administration, in addition to Moderna for the first) and the heads of the County authorities, together with the MP Owen Baya, tomorrow morning, Tuesday, September 7, will attend the vaccinations, to further sensitize the population and explain the benefits not only health but also social and economic benefits of the process.
Malindikenya.net is doing its part, having translated the official letter of the Minister of Tourism Massimo Garavaglia and having sent it not only to local authorities who have received the message but also, thanks to the entrepreneur of Malindi Roberto Marini, to the heads of the most important trade associations in Kenya.
Some replies and promises of interest have already been received. From this week, after the County's move, it will be seen how much words can be followed by deeds also as far as the central government is concerned.
The idea is to convince the Ministry of Health to deliver a certain number of vaccines that will be dedicated to tourism operators in Watamu to get before Christmas to be able to demonstrate that, as is happening in the Tanzanian island and in places like Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, there is a willingness to welcome tourists to be vaccinated and be able to offer a good "range" of health security. Bringing Italian tourists back to Watamu for the next winter vacations would be a good start to slowly resume the bumpy road to normality and give a breath to those who work, in different capacities, in the hospitality sector.
As always, we will update you on every single step forward.