This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk/7193532.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UK tourism to Kenya ban extended Kenya flights suspension extended
(about 12 hours later)
All UK charter flights to Kenya have been suspended, up to and including next Monday, 21 January, the Federation of Tour Operators has said. All UK charter flights to Kenya have been suspended, up to and including Monday 21 January, the Federation of Tour Operators has said.
The suspension comes amid continuing Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to the country.The suspension comes amid continuing Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to the country.
More than 600 people have died in unrest that followed the disputed presidential election in the east African country.More than 600 people have died in unrest that followed the disputed presidential election in the east African country.
In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced.In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced.
The Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) said it would be offering customers alternative holidays or refunds of any money already paid.The Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) said it would be offering customers alternative holidays or refunds of any money already paid.
It said it would continue assessing the situation based on advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.It said it would continue assessing the situation based on advice from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
We are hopeful that people will still want to go to Kenya and will flock back once the situation improves Somak HolidaysWe are hopeful that people will still want to go to Kenya and will flock back once the situation improves Somak Holidays
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have continued to operate scheduled services between the UK and Kenya since the trouble erupted.British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have continued to operate scheduled services between the UK and Kenya since the trouble erupted.
But charter flights have not taken any passengers from the UK to Kenya for at least two weeks.But charter flights have not taken any passengers from the UK to Kenya for at least two weeks.
The FTO estimates it has some 50 customers still in Kenya, but says they are due to return at the weekend.The FTO estimates it has some 50 customers still in Kenya, but says they are due to return at the weekend.
There will soon be few Britons left holidaying in Kenya if the charter ban continues.There will soon be few Britons left holidaying in Kenya if the charter ban continues.
Violence has mainly been confined to urban areas, which British tourists tend to avoid as most visit the big game parks or luxury Indian Ocean beach resorts, but they have to pass through Nairobi and Mombasa.Violence has mainly been confined to urban areas, which British tourists tend to avoid as most visit the big game parks or luxury Indian Ocean beach resorts, but they have to pass through Nairobi and Mombasa.
Kenya is missing out on one of the busiest times of the year for tourism from the UK.Kenya is missing out on one of the busiest times of the year for tourism from the UK.
Other wildlife destinations will benefit from the troubles in KenyaOther wildlife destinations will benefit from the troubles in Kenya
It is estimated that Kenya, which depends on tourism, has lost up to £500m during the turmoil.It is estimated that Kenya, which depends on tourism, has lost up to £500m during the turmoil.
Jake Grieves-Cook, spokesman for the Kenya Tourism Federation, said the image of Kenya had changed from "giraffes, welcoming people and stability" to "the lunatic with a machete sharpening it on the road".Jake Grieves-Cook, spokesman for the Kenya Tourism Federation, said the image of Kenya had changed from "giraffes, welcoming people and stability" to "the lunatic with a machete sharpening it on the road".
The big winners from the Kenya troubles are other long-haul destinations, particularly those offering the sort of wildlife packages for which Kenya is famous.The big winners from the Kenya troubles are other long-haul destinations, particularly those offering the sort of wildlife packages for which Kenya is famous.
Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa are among countries all likely to benefit from any long-term Kenya holiday ban.Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia and South Africa are among countries all likely to benefit from any long-term Kenya holiday ban.
One of the largest tour operators to Kenya, Somak, has begun arranging alternative holidays.One of the largest tour operators to Kenya, Somak, has begun arranging alternative holidays.
"We have quickly brought out a new India brochure, but we are hopeful that people will still want to go to Kenya and will flock back once the situation improves," a spokeswoman said."We have quickly brought out a new India brochure, but we are hopeful that people will still want to go to Kenya and will flock back once the situation improves," a spokeswoman said.