For more than twenty years, as well as being one of the most authoritative testimonials, Flavio Briatore has been one of the most reliable "thermometers" in Malindi. Returning on several occasions, two or three times in the course of a year, his impressions, his opinions and the directives that by nature and experience of tourist places in the world he likes to give, are always news and reach the ears of all: media, politicians, fellow entrepreneurs and international public opinion. Kenyans respect him, Italians have always been divided about him (as well as about Italianity in Kenya) but always listen to him.
In his most recent video appearances on national television, he was discouraged and launched a sort of ultimatum: to do something not to leave Malindi to his fate, a destiny, in his opinion, without quality tourism anymore.
This time, having landed on the Kenyan coast in a period unusual for him, he found instead some pleasant surprises and his intervention, taken up as always by the media, has positive tones.
"Finally, after so many years, at my arrival I found some improvements - he said in an interview immediately repeated also on youtube - a good part of the roads have been reasphalted and I notice more cleanliness. This is mainly due to the efforts of the Malindi Green And Blue movement, which has done excellent things. I must applaud the chairman Kate Mwikali, Sabina Vivaldi and Philip Chai and all the group they have united, are more than one hundred and fifty people who finally instead of talking have gone into action, with the cleanliness of the town and the beaches and the desire to change the situation. Here people love to talk, talk and talk. For twenty years I've only heard chatter, finally someone has started to do something involving the institutions.
Briatore focused on the priorities of the tourist destination that needs to be relaunched.
"The key to bringing tourism back to Malindi remains the international airport with direct flights from Europe - continued the owner of the Billionaire - without this hub we can not hope that new investors will arrive. I'm not speaking in a personal capacity, but I know that there would be many European business men ready to bet on Malindi, but it absolutely takes the airport. Meanwhile, let's think about the environment, to take the dump away from here (incredible and unpleasant to have the trash a mile from the resorts) and set a good example.
Briatore promised to give significant support to Malindi Green And Blue. His love for this place that has seen it grow, set and now hopes to see it rise again can be a guarantee and a further glue for those who still believe in the potential of the destination.