Kenyans will enjoy free entry to the country's game reserves and parks on Saturday as part of the United Nations World Tourism Week celebrations.

The festivities began in Kisumu on Monday, with Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano announcing the initiative, aimed at encouraging more locals to engage with Kenya’s natural heritage.

“The climax of the UN Tourism Week in Kenya is an open invitation to all Kenyans to visit any of our game reserves and parks for free on Saturday the 28th of September 2024. I have every reason to expect a successful and sterling UN World Tourist Week event in Kisumu,” Miano revealed.

The World Tourism Week, which will conclude on Friday has been designed to promote tourism, particularly in the western region of the country.

Miano highlighted Kisumu’s pivotal role, noting that it will host a range of activities geared towards boosting tourism development in the area.

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“Kisumu County will host a series of activities aimed at promoting tourism development in the western region,” Miano said, further noting the region’s successful history of hosting world-class events.

She cited the county’s hosting of the 5th edition of the World Blacks and Africans Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC), which brought together young artists from across Africa to promote peace and unity through creative arts.

Miano emphasised that the event will offer an opportunity for stakeholders and national tourism players to work with county leadership to harness Kisumu’s tourism potential.

She described the region as a dual destination for leisure and business, positioning it as a prime location for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

“I am glad that Kisumu County Governor, Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o, has expressed the county’s excitement at hosting this prestigious event. It is particularly gratifying to note Governor Nyong’o’s eagerness to showcase Kisumu’s richly decked cultural heritage, natural beauty and burgeoning stature as a leading MICE destination,” Miano added.

She further highlighted that the event will underscore Kisumu’s unique blend of attractions, promoting the county as a hub for both leisure and business tourism.

“This event will, no doubt, highlight Kisumu’s diverse attractions and promote it as a destination offering a generous fusion of leisure and business tourism experiences,” she concluded.

The global celebrations mark the 44th edition of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day, which was first celebrated in 1980.

This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace”, reflects the role of tourism in fostering peaceful coexistence among the world's diverse communities.

The international event will be hosted in Tbilisi, Georgia, and the World Tourism Day itself will be observed on 27th September to raise awareness of the sector’s role in economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.