Tourism minister Najib Balala has supported a proposal by Italian investors to build an airport in Malindi.

Mr Balala said that instead of rejecting such initiatives, the Government should be at the forefront to support them.

"We as a Government have to think outside the box. If an investor wants to construct an airport, let us be helpful as we stand to benefit," he said.

The minister said that an additional airport at the Coast would mean that more chartered planes will fly to the town, boosting the tourism industry.

"I am going to act as a facilitator to see that the tourism industry opens up so that our country can reap from it," he added.

Mr Balala who was speaking in London on Thursday after meeting tour operators, said he was awaiting a formal proposal on the project which he would discuss with the relevant authorities.

However, he argued that although such a project has legal implications, "bureaucracy should not be an impediment to growth".

The Government, he added, cannot put up everything and should give investors willing to do so incentives.

Reclassification

Mr Balala who has been on a week-long visit to several European cities to meet tour operators has also told hoteliers to expect a fresh classification of all tourist resorts.

He said all major hotels will be reclassified by international hotel experts.