The organisers of the Africa Hotel Investment Forum, taking place in Nairobi, have confirmed that it will go ahead as planned, despite the terrorist incident at the Westgate Shopping Centre.

Jonathan Worsley, chairman, Bench Events said: “The Westgate incident is horrific and our hearts go out to all the victims and their families, who have suffered the most shocking blow.

“The goal of terrorists is to spread fear and disrupt lives and we know that if we change our plans adversely; they win.

“Therefore, we will be proceeding with AHIF as planned, all be it with heightened security throughout the conference.”

Many delegates have already arrived in Nairobi for AHIF and there have been very few cancellations.
According to World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism is one of Kenya’s largest industries, responsible for 12.5 per cent of GDP, KES 450bn, and 11 per cent of total employment, some 600,000 jobs.

WTTC president David Scowsill said: “Despite this terrible incident in the shopping centre in Nairobi and the
appalling loss of life, I am planning to fly to Nairobi on Monday to attend the Africa Hotel Investment Forum.
“It is important that the travel industry supports Kenya at this difficult time.”

AHIF takes place from today until September 25th.