TORONTO — Despite violent post-election protests that erupted across the country earlier this month, and a new election looming on Oct. 17, Kenya remains open to tourists and is focused on promoting the destination as more than just a safari hotspot.

This was the message that was conveyed at an industry luncheon hosted by the Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) on Sept. 8 in Toronto. “This luncheon comes at a very important time in Kenyan history,” said Jane Onsongo, Deputy Head of Mission. “Please tell your clients that there is no cause for alarm.”

To emphasize the point further, Onsongo noted that the Kenyan government has dedicated approximately 15% of the country’s budget towards security, intensifying ground and aerial patrols and implementing security checks at all entry points. The Tourism Police Unit (TPU) has also increased its presence in major tourism areas like Mombasa and Nairobi, particularly in shopping malls, airports, hotels and public areas.

Aside from security, the government has dedicated much of its resources towards improving infrastructure and building its economy. The new Isiolo Airport, for example, is set to open in the Samburu region, which has long been a highlight of the Kenya safari circuit. The Jomo Kanyatta airport now boasts a new terminal for arrivals and departures, with other terminals currently being upgraded and a second runway in the works, all of which will lead to a 12% annual traffic growth, or 25 million passengers by the year 2025.

Another major improvement is the launch of the new Thika Super highway that connects Northern, Central and Eastern parts of the country. An additional ferry from Mombasa to the south coast has been added, roads to national parks are being improved, and a new high-speed SRG train from Nairobi to Mombasa has cut travel time down to 4.5 hours, compared to the previous eight-hour journey.

As far as hotels go, there’s plenty for travellers to be excited about. Malindi, Billionaire Resort by Italian billionaire Flavio is situated in the Malindi Marine Park and Reserve, considered ‘Africa’s Oldest Marine Park’, and offers butler service, a private beach and ultra-luxe, fully-furnished apartments. The Richard Branson-owned Mahali Mzuri hotel in the Maasai Mara is also worth mentioning for its 12 glamourous safari tents that come with ensuite bathrooms and private decks. Meanwhile, international hotel brands like Four Points by Sheraton, Park Inn by Radisson, Kempinski Villa Rosa, Radisson Blu and Best Western in Nairobi are quickly making their presence known across the country.

Even more exciting for tourists, the government of Kenya has launched a new online application for visas. Visitors also have the option to receive a visa upon arrival. Plus, children under 16 years old can now enter the country without a visa, making it easier – and more attractive – for families to plan a visit.

All this development is paying off in spades. According to Onsongo, the country saw a 6.8% increase in revenue and inbound tourist arrivals from 2015-2016. Canadian visitor arrivals have increased 14%, while globally, Kenya has seen an impressive 16% uptick in tourism arrivals. In addition, the country now boasts the ninth largest economy in Africa and has been named the best destination for foreign direct investment in the continent.

Long regarded as one of Africa’s top sellers and a major luxury safari destination, Kenya remains dedicated to wildlife management and conservation. The government recently passed a new wildlife law that enforces fines of 20 million Kshs for poaching.

But the country is about more than just its safaris, said Onsongo. It’s quickly becoming known as an adventure hotspot; it was the first destination to offer Stand Up Paddle (SUP) tours with dolphins, available on the Watamu Coast. There are also high altitude training camps in the Great Rift Valley that are attracting international athletes and ‘super runners’, not to mention kite surfing along the coast and deep sea fishing in the Indian Ocean. Kenya also offers a year-long calendar of festivals and events that focus on yoga, marathons, food and more.

To help travel agents sell the destination more effectively, KTB’s Kenya Authorized Travel Specialist (KATS) Program is a valuable resource. Currently available in the U.S., it’s divided into three chapters: Introduction to Kenya; Tourism Infrastructure; and Selling Kenya. The program will soon be coming to Canada.