The world has come together for the third time this year, to show its support for a growing tourist destination impacted by religious attacks. This time it’s Kenya.
For anyone out of the loop – it was the day before Good Friday, when a group of gunmen from terrorist group, Al Shabaab stormed into Garissa University College campus, killing 148 students.
It came as a shock to the country and to the hundreds of families whose Easter celebrations were crushed by the fatal attack.
#IamGarissa 147 innocent students. #147notjustanumber It’s human beings whose lives have been extinguished. pic.twitter.com/IKGCOqD8nz
— Jay Naidoo (@Jay_Naidoo) April 8, 2015
Despite the shooting, Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has maintained its ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ for the country – advice that was last updated on 27 March 2015 or six days before the attack.
And while this may seem surprising to some, Kenya’s Principal Secretary, Ministry of EA Affairs, Commerce and Tourism, Dr Ibrahim Mohamed says the country is still safe for visitors.
He said while main concerns are for those affected by the ‘appalling attack in Garissa’, travellers are still encouraged to visit because popular tourist spots are unaffected.
“To all those visitors here on holiday now, and to those with planned trips in the coming days, we offer our reassurance that tourist destinations remain secure and we urge all visitors and operators to remain calm and continue with your plans.”
Dr Ibrahim Mohamed, Principal Secretary, Ministry of EA Affairs, Commerce and Tourism
According to a Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) Australia spokesperson, the shooting was in a remote area that is not frequented by tourists.
Garissa is roughly 370 kilometres from the capital city of Nairobi – about 100 kilometres more than the distance between Sydney and Canberra.
It is also 470 kilometres from Mombasa on the south coast; 599 kilometres from Maasai Mara; and 150 kilometres from the Somalia border in east Kenya.
Basically, it is ‘far from any tourist centres and national parks that are popular with Australian visitors’.
“Kenya is the best safari destination in the world with drawcards like the Maasai Mara remaining unaffected from terror attacks.”
Sarah Anderson, KTB spokesperson
Meanwhile, UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai urged the world to standby Kenyans by not allowing terrorists to damage its image and economy.
Tourism to Kenya contributes heavily to the local economy and has been a high priority for the government in recent years.
In 2012, around 1.7 million travellers visited Kenya – an increase from 1.3 million in 2004.
“We are confident that the country will continue to be a preferred destination for people all around the world.”
Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary-General
So far, social media users have headed Mr Rifai’s advice, taking to their accounts to post their support for the people and the country.
This is the third time this year the world has come together to showcase its support for a destination after a fatal attack.
#147notjustanumber They were students,dreamers,pursuing their ambition for a better life. pic.twitter.com/5BhZphPuYF — Brian Inganga (@BrianInganga) April 7, 2015
In January, travellers swore they would continue to support Paris after 12 people were killed in a religious shooting at popular satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo. Read on
Then in March, travellers took to Twitter with the hashtag #JeSuisBardo, which was used as a promise to travel Tunisia following the death of 17 tourists at a well-known museum in the country’s capital. Read on
And now ‘#147notjustanumber’ is making its way across all social media platforms, as people around the world vow not to forget or let the killing of 147 students at a Kenyan college impact their plans.
LRT Angela Kimata was a friend, one of the most beautiful humans you’ll ever meet. R.I.P Kajojo, #147NotJustANumber pic.twitter.com/W5GzA0Mkar
— feathers and hearts (@Mekatilili_) April 5, 2015
Mary Muchiri Shee, Miss Garissa University #147notjustanumber We will name them one by one. pic.twitter.com/WuUBOkBsye
— Tom Vandenbosch (@TVandenbosch) April 5, 2015