Kenya’s game parks are among the top 10 destinations in the world for 2006, according to a leading British travel firm.

Frommer’s has named Kenya’s parks alongside Goa in India, Amador in California, Tasmania in Australia and Molokai in Hawaii among the 10 places where people should most want to go this year.

In a welcome boost for Kenyan tourism, the British firm said that all the places it has mentioned "are not swarming with tourists and travellers can still find bargains to get there." Frommer’s says that Amboseli in particular is a "must" for 2006 to enable visitors to see the majestic elephant herds. 

"The stormy waters in Nairobi have settled down making Kenya a more attractive proposition for those seeking an adventurous vacation," the report says. 

It added: "A Kenyan safari is a trip you will remember for a lifetime."

Kenyan game parks are described as "a perfect place" to see wild animals in their natural habitat and to experience the diversity of the wildlife species.

Frommer’s is an established and respected travel company and its listings have already led to publicity in the western media.

The Kenya Tourism Board, a government-run organisation that manages the sector, welcomed the ranking.

Chairman Mr Jake Grieves-Cook termed the move by the UK-based travel company as a major boost to the country's tourism sector. Mr Grieves-Cook said: "Our national parks and wildlife reserves are increasingly gaining international recognition among many people overseas. A safari in Kenya is a very desirable and unforgettable experience, the holiday of a lifetime for our visitors."

Kenyan wildlife parks were a precious national asset, he said, adding that it was important to protect and manage them well to sustain the positive image.

"As a major attraction for international visitors our national parks are helping Kenya's tourism industry to develop into one of the most important sectors of the economy," he said. 

According to KTB statistics, tourism earned more than Sh40 billion last year. The sector had slumped for seven years due to terrorism fears, but things are now looking up. 

KTB has lately focused its marketing in non-traditional markets in the East.

Mr Cook said last year over 800,000 people visited Kenya, mostly attracted by wildlife.

KTB and the ministry of Tourism and Wildlife have over the years been promoting the country as a destination of choice at the world tourism fairs.