NEWS

IN THE NEWS TODAY (KENYA WOOS SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISTS) By Philip Mwakio.

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