IN THE NEWS TODAY (KENYA
WOOS SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISTS) By Philip Mwakio.
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He reported that, “Asambe Kenya” is Zulu for “Let’s Go Kenya” and was an
apt rallying call by local tourism promoters that attended what is considered
the largest tourism trade fair on the continent – Indaba 2016 – which took
place at Inkhosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban. The
country’s top tourism marketer, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB), urged South
Africans to come to Kenya to explore wildlife, adventure, beaches and varieties
of culture. He also added that, At the event, which brought together 18 African
countries, the KTB stand, manned by staff led by the acting CEO Jacinta Nzioka,
won the Platinum award. “We are here to tell the travel world - and
particularly Africa - that Kenya is open for business and more than willing to
welcome all and sundry to visit and enjoy what is on offer here,” Nzioka said,
revealing that prior to Indaba 2016, they had held a successful road show in
four cities of South Africa - Bloomfontein, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and
Johannesburg - to sell Kenya as an ideal destination. They had taken on board
over 300 local tour operators whom they sensitised on niche Kenyan tourism
products like sports and active tourism. “Kenya is not competing with South
Africa, but is complementing their efforts by offering a completely different
holiday experience,” it is also reported that Jacinta added that South Africa
has continued to be an important source of tourists to Kenya, with 30,000 South
African tourists last year coming to Kenya for holiday. She also said
the arrival figures could improve owing to a number of measures the Kenyan
government has put in place. The measures include relaxation of visa rules,
incentives for charter flights, and a standalone tourism ministry. She said
that these, together with other efforts, will help the country in its tourism
recovery efforts. She said the government was likely to reach out to more airline
operators, including the low cost carriers doing rounds in South Africa like
Mango and Kulula, to fly to Mombasa, a popular destination for tourists from
South Africa. She added that the introduction of direct flights to Cape Town
from Nairobi by the Kenya Airs would be an added incentive to potential
tourists seeking a taste of the Magical Kenya experience. KQ flies to
Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport and the introduction of the
Cape Town destination would be ideal for tourist traffic numbers. Nairobi-based
Bonfire Adventures, which specialises in both inbound and outbound tours, said
they were excited about participating in the fair for the first time. “We are
first-timers here. We decided to come and pitch camp here and try to tap into
the African market which we believe has a bright future,” said Bonfire director
Sarah Kabuu. Other Kenyan exhibitors at the fair included Leopard Beach Resort
& Spa and TPS Serena Hotels. The mayor of Durban, James Nxumalo, said that
the city was honoured to host “the biggest tourism event on the continent”.
Read more
at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/lifestyle/article/2000204508/kenya-woos-south-african-tourists
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